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Temp gauge capillary tube

Hi Steve,

I do not if a replacement tube is available separately, however, take a look at this article for ideas. It describes the repair procedure of a capillary tube in a 1933 Plymouth temperature gauge which is exactly like the one in the Healey.

Good luck,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
 
stevebn2bj7 said:
Does anyone know If you can buy the capillary
Tube on its own? Mine is too short and I need
a new one.
Steve

I would not give a[ DIY ]option a second thought. Send it to Nisongner for a repair and calibration.
 
The capillary tube is filled with ether. I know this because once when the tube cracked while I was driving, the smell of ether was very strong (but not strong enough for me to be in danger of being overcome!)
Repair is not a DIY job.
 
pan said:
The capillary tube is filled with ether. I know this because once when the tube cracked while I was driving, the smell of ether was very strong (but not strong enough for me to be in danger of being overcome!)
Repair is not a DIY job.

Didn't stop my dad from trying. He got some ether at the pharmacist, filled the bulb and started to solder the bulb back together. Pow--the bulb capsule took off across the garage. Good thing it didn't hit Dad in the eye--it's roughly the size of a 50-cal bullet. Off to Mo-Ma with the gauge.
 
The articles that describe this worked for me. Bought a cheapo temp gauge, kept the bulb on ice, cut off the capillary and transplanted it. Tested and calibrated in boiling water.

Not for everybody but I enjoy these little tasks where one can learn something new and I now completely understand the mechanical working of the part while doing this.

Anyway key was to keep the bulb iced so the ether does not vaporize as it is highly flammable. Admittedly not for everybody but needed to show the positive side as it is definitely doable but as always with care.

Bert
 
RAC68 said:
Hi Steve,

I do not if a replacement tube is available separately, however, take a look at this article for ideas. It describes the repair procedure of a capillary tube in a 1933 Plymouth temperature gauge which is exactly like the one in the Healey.

Good luck,
Ray (64BJ8P1)

Forgot to provide the web reference(https://www.ply33.com/repair/tempgauge). Glad it wourked out for you Bert.

Ray (64BJ8P1)
 
Try R-134a instead of ether.
 
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