Temp gage from RB Midget

[v8mgbal]

Hello all, If my dual gage is dead can I use a temp gage from a 1500 car or is there another altenative, thanks in advance.

 

[aeronca65t]

Most of the 1500 cars use an electric gauge. You can use one but you will also need the sensor that screws into the head. Plus whatever wiring is needed.

In my (race) car, I bought a fully mechanical temp gauge from the local discount auto parts store (Autozone) and used that. It was under $20 USD. It did require that I look around for an adapter.....I eventually just made one (I have a lathe). But I've noticed that some of the gauges now sold come with a selection of adapters so you might be OK (I did this about 6 years ago).

 

[JPSmit]

Nial, I am not aware of 1500's ever using electric temp gauges. mine is a bulb and at 1976, I can't imagine British Leyland would change that, that close to the end of the run.

Alan, I'm almost certain you can swap one in.

 

[dklawson]

Can't say what the 1500 Midget would have used but BL did use electric temperature gauges on the 1500 Spitfire.

As Nial said, there is sometimes an adapter needed to fit the mechanical temperature gauge bulb to the Triumph engines (it's sometimes needed for clearance on A-series heads also). If you don't want to make your own, the adapter is available from Mini Mania. (Their part 11K2846, $14.95)

 

[aeronca65t]

J-P:
My '78 originally had an electric gauge (BL probably made the change to match the Spitfire 1500 setup).
Moss even lists the electric sensor (called a "transmitter) for it.

I much prefer mechanical gauges, so I was happy to make the swap.

Honestly, I really like the nifty little dual gauge that was referred to in the beginning of this, but they are hard to find (working) and not cheap to have repaired.

 

[sparkydave]

The 1500s didn't get the electric temp gauge until 1978, which is also when the oil pressure gauge was replaced with the idiot light. Glad I have a '77.

 

[v8mgbal]

Thanks guys for the info. looks like a trip to the autozone to see what they have, $200.00+ dollars for a temp/press gage is just crazy.

 

[dklawson]

There are dual gauges that show up on eBay regularly. If the needles aren't sitting on the "left" side of the face... and horizontal, don't bid. They sell anywhere from $20 to $100 depending on the appetite of bidders and the gauge condition.

There is also a guy who periodically sells (professionally) reconditioned models on eBay. I think his price is around $140 and the pictures of his merchandise look good.

 

[JPSmit]

before you go to autozone, get Kim to walk you through changing the bulb - it doesn't sound hard.

also, while I'm sure you are correct that it isn't working, mine wasn't and it proved to be the needle touching the glass. You can test it with a boiling pot of water

 

[dklawson]

The information on replacing the expansion bulb of mechanical temperature gauges can be found at the following web site:
https://www.ply33.com/Repair/tempgauge

As long as the needle for the temperature portion of the gauge is still returning horizontal to the left, the method shown in the link will work. If the needle is resting at some other position it indicates that the internal bourdon tube is "stretched" and much more involved calibration and repair are indicated.