1800: substitute temperature gauge?

[StPeteAPB]

My Smiths temperature gauges (oil & water) do not work. But I’m not up for having the capillary tubes repaired/refilled. I just want to put a water temperature gauge in some innocuous location for me to see/monitor and utilize the existing block location of the Smiths gauge to install the new gauge’s sensor.

Any tips or suggestions, please? Product recommendations, adapters, etc.

Thanks

[StPeteAPB]

OK, well I came up with a workaround

First, this gauge:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EVU8YI

I moved the original temperature sender off to the side and zip-tied it mostly out of view (in a much better way than depicted here). I then coiled a dark blue wire around the old copper line and through the firewall.



The light in the gauge is tied to the same light for the clock.

I put that gauge on a hinge and a small magnet tethered by a fishing line that allows me to tuck the hinged gauge up and out of regular view. But, when I need to see the temp of the coolant, I can easily pull the magnetic leash off of the wiper motor housing so the gauge is visible plenty for me to monitor engine temp.


I don't mind that the gauge is upside down - I just need to just be able to know what the temp is. And, at the angle the gauge sits with the hinge anchored to the bottom screws of the control sliders, it's hard to see right-side up.

[StPeteAPB]

NOTE I was uncertain of the thread pitch of the block sensor. The one adapter that came with the aforementioned gauge offers a 16mm x 1.5. I used a 19mm socket to hand tighten that adapter to the block, along with some thread sealant. And, then just a minor tighten with a wrench so as to not overdo it, just in case.

[Othen]

Originally Posted by StPeteAPB

OK, well I came up with a workaround

First, this gauge:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EVU8YI

I moved the original temperature sender off to the side and zip-tied it mostly out of view (in a much better way than depicted here). I then coiled a dark blue wire around the old copper line and through the firewall.


The light in the gauge is tied to the same light for the clock.

I put that gauge on a hinge and a small magnet tethered by a fishing line that allows me to tuck the hinged gauge up and out of regular view. But, when I need to see the temp of the coolant, I can easily pull the magnetic leash off of the wiper motor housing so the gauge is visible plenty for me to monitor engine temp.

I don't mind that the gauge is upside down - I just need to just be able to know what the temp is. And, at the angle the gauge sits with the hinge anchored to the bottom screws of the control sliders, it's hard to see right-side up.

That is a sensible fix for an older motor car, well done.

Alan

[Othen]

Originally Posted by StPeteAPB

NOTE I was uncertain of the thread pitch of the block sensor. The one adapter that came with the aforementioned gauge offers a 16mm x 1.5. I used a 19mm socket to hand tighten that adapter to the block, along with some thread sealant. And, then just a minor tighten with a wrench so as to not overdo it, just in case.

I'm guessing the original tapping was an imperial size rather than M16x1.5, so probably something like 5/8" UNC. That isn't very important though - it fits where it touches (as my mother would say).

:-)

Alan