1968 327/350 l79

[Jim T.]

I am installing a new oil pressure line from the block to the oil pressure gauge. I purchased a VDO 701-2109 tubing kit for this installation.
The block installation of the the new oil line and fittings seems okay.
My problem is that the fitting that attaches to the oil pressure gauge fitting and the oil line ferrel will not crimp on the oil line when the fitting is tightened to the oil gauge fitting.

Appreciate any input on my problem with the new oil line/tubing not attaching correctly to the oil gauge fitting.

[John H.]

Re: 1968 327/350 l79

I am installing a new oil pressure line from the block to the oil pressure gauge. I purchased a VDO 701-2109 tubing kit for this installation.
The block installation of the the new oil line and fittings seems okay.
My problem is that the fitting that attaches to the oil pressure gauge fitting and the oil line ferrel will not crimp on the oil line when the fitting is tightened to the oil gauge fitting.
Appreciate any input on my problem with the new oil line/tubing not attaching correctly to the oil gauge fitting.

Jim -

That's because both ends of the production (copper-plated steel) oil pressure line use GM-proprietary radius-tapered male and female fittings, including the one in the oil pressure gauge; none of them use compression fittings of any sort (commonly seen at both ends of aftermarket non-GM oil pressure line kits). Paragon (and others) have the correct line and all fittings as a kit. Use of an aftermarket compression fitting arrangement at the gauge end can damage the gauge female fitting, resulting in leaks.


oil_line.jpg

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 327/350 l79

John thank you for your reply. My original owner 1968 Corvette did not come from the factory with a (copper-plated) metal oil pressure line. The original plastic/nylon oil pressure line has a ferrule on each end of the line. It also has a metal tube that is inserted into each end of the oil line that appears to have a flange the same diameter as the plastic/nylon oil line.
The 47 year old oil line developed a leak very close to the end of the fitting that attaches to oil pressure gauge. I appears the break is at the inserted end of the metal tube mentioned if the metal tube in fact goes that far into the line.
The dash gauge cluster was moved not removed to remove and install the clock and battery gauge, the movement caused the break of the oil line.
If I was doing this today I would disconnect the oil pressure line from the from the oil gauge.
Do you recommend using the (copper-plated steel) metal oil line that was used in earlier Corvettes for the oil pressure line?

[John H.]

Re: 1968 327/350 l79

John thank you for your reply. My original owner 1968 Corvette did not come from the factory with a (copper-plated) metal oil pressure line. The original plastic/nylon oil pressure line has a ferrule on each end of the line. It also has a metal tube that is inserted into each end of the oil line that appears to have a flange the same diameter as the plastic/nylon oil line.
The 47 year old oil line developed a leak very close to the end of the fitting that attaches to oil pressure gauge. I appears the break is at the inserted end of the metal tube mentioned if the metal tube in fact goes that far into the line.
The dash gauge cluster was moved not removed to remove and install the clock and battery gauge, the movement caused the break of the oil line.
If I was doing this today I would disconnect the oil pressure line from the from the oil gauge.
Do you recommend using the (copper-plated steel) metal oil line that was used in earlier Corvettes for the oil pressure line?

Jim -

Sorry, was thinking '67 when I mentioned the copper-plated steel oil line - forgot the nylon line started in '68. I'm familiar with the OEM nylon line with the tiny brass inserts at each end, as that's what my '69 Z/28 was built with as OEM. Paragon has a kit for '68-73 Corvette with the line, including inserts, and a fitting.

[Mike K.]

Re: 1968 327/350 l79

Mr Trekell,
Just finished a full body off restoration on my 68 and one of the items that I replaced was the oil pressure line as it
had been leaking at the gauge fitting. I ordered the kit from Paragon #2153k and since installing the new line I have
had no leaks, drips or problems. Would recommend it - comes with all the parts needed.