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Temperature gauge went goofy!!

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Russ,

It looks terrific! Was it in mint condition when you sent it in? Do you have a before picture?

It looks like it's a brand new gauge from what I can see. The case looks perfect as does the chrome and glass.

The face and lettering look like new as well, which is my concern about getting gauges refinished.
 
Brosky said:
Russ,

It looks terrific! Was it in mint condition when you sent it in? Do you have a before picture?

It looks like it's a brand new gauge from what I can see. The case looks perfect as does the chrome and glass.

The face and lettering look like new as well, which is my concern about getting gauges refinished.
Click to expand...

No, the gauge was dirty, slightly rusty, it was an old parts gauge that I had. I would say my experence with Nisonger Instruments was very positive. The gauge that I just took out I'm going to send in have it done as well.
 
Been driving the TR3 quite a bit.
Everthing was working fine until yesterday.
The temp gauge stopped working.
Used to read about 185 when hot.
Now it shows 90 degree's.
Reading past threads it sounds like a leak of Ether or the gauge is broke.

Want to keep it stock if I can.
A few folks said Nisonger's would rebuild it.
What is the Web site or number?
Thanks
Lyle
 
Lucas hates me. Now I know Lucas hates you too.

Good luck. I hope that it isn't electrical and just the gauge...

Nisongers has typical New York attitude, but do a good job - albeit not cheap.

Good luck,

Steve
 
SteveTR said:
Good luck. I hope that it isn't electrical and just the gauge...
Click to expand...
Unlike the later Triumphs, the TR3 gauge is totally mechanical, no electrics (or Lucas) involved.

FWIW, I've got several messages archived from people who had theirs rebuilt by
West Valley Auto Electronics (formerly West Valley Instruments)
https://www.westvalleyautoelectronics.com/

and were quite happy both with service and attitude.
 
I sent for a quote.
Will let you know what they say.
I do work for Smiths Aero Space here in Clearwater, FL.
Not the gauge division, but maybe they will help me.
Thanks
Lyle
 
tdskip said:
Randall - were these for "stock" gauge restorations that maintained the original appearance?
Click to expand...
Yup, original TR3 mechanical gauges, restored to "like new" condition.
I've heard North Hollywood Speedo & Clock does a good job too.
https://www.nhspeedometer.com/
 
I would recommend adding to the list: Moma Mfg, 1321 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. (505) 766-6661.
 
Got a quote for $135 plus shipping.
A lot of money, but it will be stock and look like new.
AutoZone has a gauge for $17....

Was going to pull my gauge and see if something simple was wrong.
I will drain the radiator down a little and remove the cable from the thermostat housing.
I want to plug off the hole, what size is the thread? 1/4 NPT?
Lyle
 
The original threads were not tapered (so not NPT), but I think a NPT plug will seal well enough. Sorry, don't know the size offhand.

But because of the way the mechanical gauges work, it's virtually impossible for it to be "something simple". That 'cable' is actually a very small diameter tube, with ether sealed inside. Once the ether leaks out, there is no way to repair it short of putting in more ether. Can be done, but not "simple".

My gauge was $20 @ Pep Boys :laugh: Sunpro, black face, white hands, chrome trim. Not an exact match, but kinda sorta close. And over the years I've come to like the 270 sweep and 10 degree graduations. Only modification required was to run a wire for the light; now it's the only gauge I can read at night!
P3170011.jpg
 
Randall, will look for a Sunpro gauge like you have.
Not sure were Pepboys is around here.
AutoZone only had a black gauge with no chrome.
Did the gauge you bought come with the proper fittings?
Part #?
Will go the cheap fix for now.
Yep, the stock gauges are very hard to read at night
Thanks for the reply.
Lyle
 
TruCraft said:
Did the gauge you bought come with the proper fittings?
Click to expand...
Yup, didn't even need one of the supplied adapters, screwed right in just like the original. Sorry, Pep Boys is mostly a west coast chain, I doubt they have them in FL. But this one at JCW looks to be the same gauge.
 
Will order a gauge from a local auto parts store.
Don't like driving my car without a temp gauge.
With Hot weather on the way, I want a good gauge and an electric fan for backup cooling when stuck in traffic.
Thanks for the info.
Lyle
 
Found the Sunpro #CP7975 gauge on Ebay.
"Summit racing sales"
Total price shipped is $24.90
Gave up trying to find one locally.
Lyle
 
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