picked up a replacement plug for a 4.6L front cover for the oil cooler line (not used on mine). I am assuming that the tap in the plug goes thru from the large end straight thru to the end inside (same diameter). Is there a mininum size that this hole has to be for an accurate reading? threaded end tap would go just enough into the top portion to secure the adapter for the oil pressure kit. correct?

 

Ports in gauges usually are about 1/8 or less, so you can just drill a small hole all the way through. Drill the tap hole sliightly deeper than your fitting length.

 

just getting to this task today. have the drilled/tapped oil cooler plug replacement ready to go in to take the pressure tests.

question on the original plug when I put it back in. how tight is good? ie: is there a torque spec for this...don't want to crack the housing.

 

becarefull where you plug your sensor to, you will get false reading, if you plug inti oil cooler, might be better to get a oil filter adapter for proper reading of pressure

 

OK, I used the plug to the left of the oil filter housing just above it. It's where the oil cooler line would plug in. easily accessible. The oil pressure is as follows:

cold at idle of around 600rpm: 54psi
cold at rpm of 2500rpm: 56psi

operating temp (~175F) at idle: 30psi
operating temp at 2500rpm: 45psi

So, given these numbers, I should be OK on the oil pump.

 

Yeah, those numbers are pretty good

 

onto the underbody rust now....oh joy!