We’ve got the old capillary type oil temp probe / gauge in a 1962, 182 that seems to indicate much lower than actual temps and I doubt it is worth putting money into. is there an economical & legal option to change that one out for a resistance type that will count as the primary instrument and fit in the rectangular cluster?

There is also a GEM602 (soon to be G2) engine monitor installed but neither of those do oil temp and the G3 which does do oil temp isn’t certified as a primary gauge so nothing from Insight will work.

If there are any suggestions on how to get a legal primary oil temp gauge and probe in this bird without breaking the bank please let me know.

Thx

EI makes a certified primary standalone Oil Temp/Pressure gauge that's ~$500.

The bulb type oil temp gauges can be repaired quite successfully and very cheaply, basically just the time to remove and refit it and having your mechanic happy to do it. Do a google search for capillary temp gauge repair. The simple outline is it involves buying a cheap oil temp gauge from ebay or similar with the same size bulb to fit in the engine and a capillary tube long enough. Put the new bulb in ice water while you desolder the capillary from the cheap gauge and then solder it to your original gauge. The ice water keeps the gas in the bulb (I think it's ether) in a liquid state while you swap it over. It works well and the bonus is you get a nice new flexible capillary that's not old and work hardened. I've repaired several this way and all have worked fine and accurate

Thx!