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voltage stabilizer

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Bruce Bowker

Bruce Bowker

Obi Wan
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Will a newer style stabilizer work on a Mk 1 Mini? Mounting is different but that can be gotten around.

I am assuming this is my problem. My fuel gauge and temp. gauge eem to work as one. Temp goes up, fuel goes up and vice versa. This is not related to fuel in the tank decreasing. It varies by the minute.

Thanks

Bruce
 
Any 10v stabilizer will work (Mini or non-Mini). Pay attention to ones taken from other cars or mounted differently. There is usually some notation on the stabilizer for which way is "up". "Up" is important with these things.

I've got a PDF on how to repair and convert these. If you're interested send me an email at dklawson@mindspring.com

BTW, Mk1 Minis didn't have a stabilizer until after late 1964. You can add the stabilizer to earlier cars but it means using a different temperature sending unit and recalibrating the temp gauge. The early fuel gauges/senders don't really benefit from the stabilizer.
 
Doug - thanks. Should have mentioned that mine is a 1967. I ahve a newer one from a Mini. It is marked Topaz but has no numbers for where the wires should attach. I am assuming the gas and temp go to the left had pair of spades. Guess the best bet is to try it. Any harm in just trying or can things get burnt out?

Bruce
 
Bruce, email sent with the PDF.

Take a look at the insulator plate on your stabilizer. Usually there are two marks, "I" and "B". "B" is the connection for the switched 12v from the "battery", "I" is where you connect the "instruments". The case MUST be grounded.

If you don't find "I" or "B" on the insulator board with the lugs you can go by position. Hopefully someone will confirm this. Referencing the "long" axis of the stabilizer housing/case... I remember that the "B" terminal is usually closer to the edge of the case and the "I" terminal is near the middle of the case.
 
For whatever it is worth, I installed a newer Mini stabilizer and it works fine. Also it was not marked "Topaz". Bad lighting and glasses. It was marked Top and an I and B.

Bruce
 
Hi Bruce. I assume that the later Mini's stabilizer is working for you. Some of the stabilizers aren't marked for "top". Lacking that identifier, a good rule of thumb is to make sure that when the stabilizer is mounted, "I" and "B" are 'right-side-up' and legible.
 
Doug - new one is working fine. The newer one I used is marked with "TOP". Thanks for all your help. Very much appreciated. I have saved the PDF you emailed me and have it in my Mini book.

Bruce
 
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