smith gauge

[dudload]

evening all!

looking to install a temp and oil pressure gauge and saw this on ebay. Are these ok to use, and is the job simple enough? (i.e. will i need to ask 5 or 100 questions on this forum to do it!?)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smiths-Oil-Pr ... 3641.l6368

[bmcecosse]

A link may help ........

[dudload]

you were too quick on the draw - edited within a minute link should be above

[Monty-4]

I have a gauge like this. That listing looks a bit pricey - patience might yield a cheaper one in slightly worse condition - but it depends how you value your time!

Note your'll need the oil pipe to fit it, and also a t-piece if you want to retain the original oil pressure light on the speedo (both available from main suppliers). Job is simple enough but be careful not to damage the capillary or it'll need replacing and re-filling with the gas. I found wiring in an additional instrument light into the switch under the speedo to be the most fiddly bit.

Be prepared for the increased anxiety over oil pressure and temperature you will (probably unnecessarily) experience with it fitted.

[bmcecosse]

Make absolutely sure the water temp part works - ask him to show it dipped in a cup of tea.... The bulb may need an adapter to fit the A series head. The flex lead is incredibly delicate and without it the gauge is useless. Frankly I think it's better to buy two separate gauges - one for oil (with pipe feed etc - NOT electric) , and probably best an electric one for temperature - much less fragile.

[minijojo]

here is another one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400884220243

[bmcecosse]

As above -get two gauges.

[dudload]

thanks all - in terms of the capilliary tube is the main danger of twisting and breaking upon install, or also during operation (i.e. they're prone to failure?)

for the separate ones, most of the temperature only gauges I can see only seem to have the dial unit itself - do I also need to buy any bits for the temp. gauge similar to having to buy the pipe for the oil on the combined one?

[bmcecosse]

It is very fragile -and since these may not be in the first flush of youth - the ether may have leaked away with age. I was 'done' like that a few years ago..." It was working fine when it left here etc etc' and no refund. In use the pipe must be carefully supported, grommeted of course, coiled up and not allowed to vibrate - or contact anything electrical! The electric temp gauge is the answer - yes you need the little sensor in the head and a wire to the gauge - which is fed from the fuel gauge 10 v stabiliser unit. BMC fitted this for good reason on the Mini/1100 etc The mechanical temp gauges you show would both need adapters to fit an A series head - the bulbs are too long.

[Trickydicky]

If you want a brand new one, Moss sell them for a few pounds more.

[dudload]

understood - will go for a separate gauge for each in that case.

on moss website it looks like I'd also need to buy a sender unit and wire. is this the right sender unit, and what wire should/can I use??

http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/thermal-tr ... tr101.html

[Declan_Burns]

The sender is correct for the Smiths gauges. I would use FLRY 1.5mm² automotive cable.

Regards
Declan

[dudload]

great thanks - will put it on a list of jobs to do. got a bit of a leak coming from the gearbox oil plug so that's my single job for this weekend sorted