Temperature gauge fitting

[robandsophie]

Hi,

I am attempting to fit a TIM temperature gauge into my 1968 Minor!
My plan is to attach the live feed wire (red wire on the gauge) onto the red live feed that goes into the panel light switch (not main light switch). Then attach the black wire (which is earth for the gauge) onto a screw attached to body as earth.
Thought I would ask for advice to check this would work before I proceed! Just in case I am at risk of setting anything on fire or completely knackering the whole wiring system.
Any advice greatly appreciated.

Happy New Year

Rob

[panky]

You will need to take the live feed to the gauge from the voltage stabiliser otherwise the temperature indication will wander. The fuel gauge goes through the stabiliser so trace the wire back (behind speedo) and connect into there.

[robandsophie]

Thanks for information.
However the electrical feed just runs a light bulb hence why I thought would get away with connecting it in the panel light switch. Do I still need to track down the stabiliser? If so what does it look like? Sorry, new to all this, learning as I go along.

Regards

Rob

[panky]

I'm afraid you do otherwise you wont get an accurate reading on the gauge.
It looks like this and is attached to the back of the speedo.[frame][/frame]

[robandsophie]

Ah! I have seen that!
I guess I take the live out wire to the fuel gauge to splice to and then attach earth to body, is that ok?

[Trickydicky]

Which model of temp gauge do you have? Is it a capillary one? Can you post a photo?
If it is a capillary one then the only electrical connections are for the side light. They do have a panel light so will need wiring into the side light circuit.

[panky]

Ah sorry I thought you meant it was an electricaly operated gauge If the connection is just for gauge illumination then connecting it to the instrument light circuit is the way to go - sorry I should read things twice before replying

[robandsophie]

Yep the electrics are just for the bulb. So from the the thread; I guess I am ok to splice the red live gauge wire into the red wire (for the panel light switch) and attach the earth to the body.

[panky]

Yup, we got there in the end

[bmcecosse]

Take great care with the capillary - it must not be twisted or kinked, and will need careful protection where it comes through the bulkhead. Any excess length needs to be carefully coiled up and secured to stop it vibrating - but enough slack of course to allow for engine movement.

[robandsophie]

Thanks to you all for the advice!
I shall sort this tomorrow, as always fantastic help from this site, really helps us learners.
If you are ever down in sleepy old Sidmouth Devon I'll buy you a pint

[mike.perry]

Check that the sensor bulb will fit in the cylinder head.
Just for the record I believe that the electric sensor version of the TIM gauge works on 12V so no need for a voltage stabiliser