Youngbob
Charter Member
353 posts (Keeps a clean machine)
Sep-30-10, 03:16 PM (PST)
"Issue with new Temp/Oil Pressure Gauge"
I only had the idiot light for oil pressure, so I thought I would upgrade to one of the dual temp/oil pressure gauges. Rimmer's was having a good sale so I ordered one listed for the Spitfire. It is a Smith's unit that is mechanical for both the temp and pressure. The original temp gauge is electric. The problem I am having is that the temp sensor will not seal in the housing. The Smith's unit has a taper on the end of the sensor bulb indicating that it is expecting a seat to seal against. Looking in the hole, there is no seat that I can see. Is it possible that it is so corroded that the seat is gone? The hose connection is barely usable due to corrosion. Has anyone else dealt with this particular gauge?
Youngbob
Charter Member
353 posts (Keeps a clean machine)
Sep-30-10, 04:39 PM (PST)
2. "RE: Issue with new Temp/Oil Pressure Gauge"
In response to message #1
What you suggest doesn't really fit, but it gives me an idea. If I could find something to thread into the hole and create a seat, that might work. It would need something with the ID that is the same or slightly larger then the OD of the sensor and with the outer thread that match the housing. It is likely going to be hard to find since it is not pipe thread in the housing. Maybe a helicoil might work.
tonymrfixit
Member since Dec-25-02
2633 posts (A TTN governor, governor)
Sep-30-10, 04:44 PM (PST)
3. "RE: Issue with new Temp/Oil Pressure Gauge"
In response to message #1
I fitted one of these to measure my oil temperature at the oil pan. The gauge was salvaged from an old MG Midget, and Yes, it was a two part assembly where the Bulb was seated into an adaptor that THEN the adaptor threaded into the engine block. (or in my application, the oil pan)
Tony M 74 Spitfire 1500 84 Toyota Pickup 03 VW Golf
Youngbob
Charter Member
353 posts (Keeps a clean machine)
Sep-30-10, 06:11 PM (PST)
4. "RE: Issue with new Temp/Oil Pressure Gauge"
In response to message #3
I love this forum because you guys solve my issues. I hate it because I get reminded of how stupid I can be. Doh!
After Tony's reply I got thinking about all the parts included and there it was, the adapter I needed. In my defense, the "kit" had no instructions or cohesive parts list. But, I should have studied the bits more before I jumped into assembly. All is well now.
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