Temp gauge on Mk3 Midget

[Gundy]

How difficult is it to replace the temp gauge on a 71 Midget? Friend is considering buying one with a non functioning temp gauge.

 

[drooartz]

Don't know the later Spridgets that well, but as far as I can tell it's a standard water/oil gauge which shouldn't be that hard. No idea how hard it is to get behind the dash, though.

I just added one of those gauges to my Morris Minor, and all the connections were very simple. I used a brand new gauge (engine is a 1275), everything just plugged in simply.

 

[SaxMan]

On my Sprite IV - which should be equivalent to a Midget III, the water temperature is part of a dual gauge with the oil pressure. The gauge is located about 10 O'Clock to the steering column when looking forward. Working behind the dash is always a bit of an adventure. Unless your friend is fairly limber, he may want to remove the driver's seat and the steering wheel to have a bit better access under the dash. You can also loosen up the dash to get easier access to the gauge. If you need pics of the gauge's location, I can probably dig one up.

Except for the major maintenance I did last year, I usually opt for the contortionist positions when working under the dash. Who needs Yoga when you have a Spridget?

 

[Gundy]

Thanks for the info guys. My friend passed on the Midget. No temp gauge and then seller mentioned the heater was disconnected to prevent blowing a head gasket. Then test drive showed white smoke from exhaust. My friends is not a mechanic. Too many red flags.

 

[drooartz]

Good safe call. They made plenty of Spridgets, lots of good ones out there