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How ToTest Meters

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Tinkerman

Tinkerman

Darth Vader
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I am wondering if there is a way to test the various meters in the instrument panel. Such as Ammeter and the Fuel gauge? I guess those are the only two that I need to test. The temp gauge will be sent out and my oil pressure gauge is done.
Anyhow, would appreciate any ideas.

Thanks, Tinkerman
 
This site goes into great detail re the fuel gauge:

https://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/fg_01.htm

It is for an MGA but our units are quite similar. The combining opf resistors to simulate the sender can be done crudely with an assortment of resistors and some test leads (rather than building a test box).

If the sender is in the tank I have just used a long length of copper (to be safe) wire bent into an 'ell' at the end to hook and lift &/or press down on the arm of the sender to simulate full and empty.

I have not tested the ammeter but it would be pretty easy to check with a battery and a known load. Would also be pretty easy to start a BBQ if you're not real clear on how an ammeter should be set up for such a test (i.e. get help if you're not clear on this).
 
Geo Hahn said:
It is for an MGA but our units are quite similar.
Click to expand...
That's true, but I've heard that the resistances are not the same. If you are going to try to calibrate the gauge, check the resistance of your sender and use that, rather than the numbers Barney gives.

If the ammeter shows continuity between the terminals, chances are 99% it's fine. Hardly worth the effort to test beyond that, IMO.
 
The fuel and current gauge have been covered. In the past I have characterized the electric temp gauge and if you search on my postings you will find one that gives a table of current vs. needle position that can be used to build up a test jig for it.

The oil gauge is mechanical so I assume a physical test against an know gauge with some ingenious "plumbing" will do the trick.
 
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