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Voltage Stabiliser

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2023 2:16 pm
by Peted7202
Which models/years were fitted with a instrument voltage stabiliser? Are these primarily to dampen fuel slosh?

Re: Voltage Stabiliser

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2023 2:38 pm
by JOWETTJAVELIN
It was supposed to give a more accurate reading. 1965 on/black speedometer.

Re: Voltage Stabiliser

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2023 2:47 pm
by geoberni
Peted7202 wrote: Mon Aug 07, 2023 2:16 pm Which models/years were fitted with a instrument voltage stabiliser? Are these primarily to dampen fuel slosh?
In reverse order, yes they are to dampen the fuel slosh, but only because in the early 1960s, Smiths redesigned how their gauges worked.
Early system just use the 12v supply and the gauge has a couple of electromagnets to move the needle, hence rapid movement as the float bounces.
The latter gauges used a bi-metal heating arrangement, thus the gauge does not react instantly to the float bouncing up and down.

The gauge in the Minor changed with the change to the Black Face speedo, so I believe the stabiliser is only fitted to Black face Speedo, that's S5 cars, Oct 1964 onwards.

Re: Voltage Stabiliser

Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2023 10:31 am
by Peted7202
Thanks

Re: Voltage Stabiliser

Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2023 8:09 pm
by Peted7202
The black speedo I have does not have any fuel gauge terminal markings. Is this because it's a bi metal type and can be connected either way?

Re: Voltage Stabiliser

Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:49 am
by geoberni
Peted7202 wrote: Sun Aug 13, 2023 8:09 pm The black speedo I have does not have any fuel gauge terminal markings. Is this because it's a bi metal type and can be connected either way?
The fuel gauge is not polarity conscious (you don't touch the fuel gauge when changing a car from Positive to Negative Earth) nor were the original electromechanical Voltage Stabilisers.
But modern replacement Voltage Stabilisers are!