Miata Mailing List: April 1997, Message #147
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From: 	"John Freas" <jfreas@gte.net>

Subject: Re: Oil gauges: any writeup out there?  What's the change with the

Date: 	Tue, 1 Apr 1997 20:40:56 -0500



Previously on Oil gauges, James McElroy <mcelroy@ma.ultranet.com> said...



> The only thing I haven't researched about our new Miata is the oil gauge;

> I've heard lots of people complain about it, but I haven't read or found

> any descriptions of the new one.  I read recently that the "needle" is

> painted on?!?  Does that mean this is just a glorified idiot light?

> 

> How much is a proper gauge, and how much work is it to put on?  Our

credit

> union's car buying service found a dealer that is willing to order us a

new

> R package for $500 over invoice, which is a little more than I was hoping

> for.  If we got with this dealer maybe this is a great opportunity to get

> the new gauge thrown in...



The new "gauge" is simply a needle that rests on the left stop when power

is removed, and points straight up when power is applied [save your

comments].  It's the same as an oil light that is either on or off

depending on a binary pressure switch.  Folks have called it an analog

idiot light, I prefer the term "idiot gauge".



Anyway, for details on the retrofit, surf on over to miata.net and have a

look at http://www.miata.net/garage/opg.html  (yes, quoting URLs from

memory again, I think I need therapy).  It involves replacement of both the

sending unit and the gauge itself, so the instrument cluster has to come

out.  Better to get the dealer to throw it in if you can.



I remember that someone recently got a new Miata and arranged for the opg

retrofit as part of the deal.  YMMV, but I'd be a great time to do it.



	-John



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John Freas (jfreas@gte.net)

Red '90 Base #7690

Clearwater, Florida

Team Roebuck

Team Voodoo

Team "I have no idea what those dimple things on the windshield frame are

for."

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