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Fogging Fuel Gauge

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Took the wee one out today - one of its first seasonal outings. Noticed that fog developed on the inside of the fuel gauge glass after a couple of minutes of operation. It seems to stay... but goes away after it's shut down for a few hours. I suppose it could be some water in the unit that condenses when warm. Probably doesn't help that the outside air temp was about 55F. Anybody ever have this happen? Should I open it up and try to just dry it out (maybe install a small packet of silica-gel in there too if it will fit)?
Thanks.
 
The fog is not unique to any make or model of LBC. However, it does seem to be more common in the convertibles than cars with roofs or hardtops.

I have never heard of a fix to prevent the fog. Usually driving for a while is sufficient for the "fog to lift". This is particularly true for later cars with the voltage stabilizer gauge system. On early cars without the stabilizer there is less internal heating of the gauge so it takes longer for the moisture to be driven out.
 
Thanks Doug. Now that you write it, I remember that some gauges have that voltage stabilizer bar in them... and that might produce just a little heat. Odd that it's only in the fuel gauge (and not the others). Never had it happen in other old English cars... but maybe I was lucky. Prior garages were fairly well insulated but the current one is not.
 
You could try taking the unit out of the car and into the warm house. Dry the inside of the case. Replace all of the gaskets between the glass, the case and the outside rim. If you have any extra holes, seal with a silicone rubber. That may reduce the amount of water vapor in the gauge, and thus reduce the chances of condensation.
Cheers,
Scott in CA.
 
Mine does that as well, never thought much about it.
 
This might be simplistic, but were you driving with the lights on or off? If the car has been sitting for a while a little moisture may find its way inside. The heat from the bulb that lights the gauge may be enough to dry it out????

Jeff
 
I take the bulb out and hit mine with a blow dry a couple of times a year to dry it out.
 
Thanks all.
No, the lights weren't on... and it seriously fogged again today (and it might be 60F out there!). I think I need to open it up and give it one serious drying and see if that takes. All other gauges are fine.
 
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