Oil Pressure and Temp Gage

[Kyle]

Another instrument question -

Does anyone have any experience with the Electronics International's combination oil temp / oil pressure gage - the OPT-1. It's apparantly a 2 1/4" gage and I wonder if it can directly replace the current oil temp gage I have next to the pressure gage. If I could - both practicaly and legally, I would pull the temp and pressure gages and replace with this and a seprate suction gage too.

Seems as though I remember one of our members had one in a re-furbished panel and I was curious as to any modifications / fabrications needed to install.

You thoughts...

Thanks,

Kyle T.

[jrenwick]

Kyle,

Not quite the same thing, but I have an EI UBG-16 that I added temperature and pressure sending units to -- mostly so I could have an idiot light to tell me if I lost oil pressure. I have a digital temperature readout on the #7 bar, and I really like that. The oil pressure part began to read intermittently low after a while. After checking and reseating all the electrical connections without effect, I disabled the lower limit so I don't get a warning light any more when it fails. I should probably ship the sender unit back to EI to check it out, but it's a pain to remove this stuff from the system once it's installed.

I'm really glad I still have the original gauges, even if they don't have numbers, because they are simple and reliable, and don't use electricity. I don't believe it's legal to remove them, anyway. The electronic gauges are strictly supplemental.

[johneeb]

Oh contrar John the EI gauges are approved as direct replacements for the originals. The combination oil temperature/pressure gauge shown in this picture has functioned flawlessly for 5 years.

[GAHorn]

According to their website: "The OPT-1 is a Primary Replacement, FAA STC'd, TSO'd instrument. "

This probably means you will required a Form 337 with IA signoff, of course.

[Kyle]

Good Evening Everyone,

Thanks for your collective responses. I did a bit further searching and believe it's Richard Pulley's panel that has that gage in the original position. I'll try to get a PM out to him for any particulars he might have. OK - John E, with that panel - have you flown (or should I ask has it flown YOU) to all parts of the world and then some - HOLLY COW !!!! - with envey !! (must have spelled that wrong)

[bpaige]

I am working on my instrument panel and I really appreciate when you guys post photos of yours. Hilltop170's panel is very neat and clean and has been my favorite for awhile. The picture in this thread of Johneeb's panel is amazing. There have been others but these two stick out. Keep the pictures coming...

[mrpibb]

Kyle,
Eric has put a few of those in, plus he is a EI distributor. He could answer any question you may have about the EI stuff.
Vic

[Kyle]

Vic,

I'll give him a call - thanks... I'll also send you a PM as I wouls really like to see some pics of your plane now that it's done.
Hope all is well on your end. I should have looked you up as I was in Sandy Hook and Bayone visiting some Coast Guard units there a few weeks back.

Kyle