Smiths Mechanical Water/Oil Gauge
13 posts
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Post by: archigator » Sat Oct 22, 2005 4:59 pm
I'm curious how the water temperature half of the stock Smiths
mechanical water/oil gauge works. Is the wire from the sensor solid or
is it hollow? (I'm not going to break mine open to find out.) What is
it that typically causes these gauges to go bad? Thanks.
Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
mechanical water/oil gauge works. Is the wire from the sensor solid or
is it hollow? (I'm not going to break mine open to find out.) What is
it that typically causes these gauges to go bad? Thanks.
Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
-
archigator - Fourth Gear
- Posts: 554
- Joined: 15 Sep 2003
Post by: Dave-M » Sat Oct 22, 2005 5:30 pm
The capilliary tube connects to the bulb which fits in the engine. The bulb/the is filled with ether which expands with temperature
and increases in pressure which in turn operates the needle on the gauge.
The main cause of failure is a fracture in the capilliary tube due to lack of support and vibration taking its toll.
In the UK it costs around ?35 to repair
Regards
Dave
----- Original Message -----
From: Gary
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2005 5:58 PM
Subject: [LotusElan.net] Smiths Mechanical Water/Oil Gauge
I'm curious how the water temperature half of the stock Smiths
mechanical water/oil gauge works. Is the wire from the sensor solid or
is it hollow? (I'm not going to break mine open to find out.) What is
it that typically causes these gauges to go bad? Thanks.
Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
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and increases in pressure which in turn operates the needle on the gauge.
The main cause of failure is a fracture in the capilliary tube due to lack of support and vibration taking its toll.
In the UK it costs around ?35 to repair
Regards
Dave
----- Original Message -----
From: Gary
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2005 5:58 PM
Subject: [LotusElan.net] Smiths Mechanical Water/Oil Gauge
I'm curious how the water temperature half of the stock Smiths
mechanical water/oil gauge works. Is the wire from the sensor solid or
is it hollow? (I'm not going to break mine open to find out.) What is
it that typically causes these gauges to go bad? Thanks.
Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
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Including Enjoy Impressions
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Post by: archigator » Sat Oct 22, 2005 9:47 pm
Just took off the bulb at the thermostat housing and found the
capillary tube to have snapped right at the connection to the bulb.
Does anyone know a mail order repair shop that repairs Smiths
instruments, preferrably in the US? (I just bought a NOS Water Temp/Oil
gauge that I am in the process of installing, but I'd like to repair my
original unit as well.)
Thanks.
Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
capillary tube to have snapped right at the connection to the bulb.
Does anyone know a mail order repair shop that repairs Smiths
instruments, preferrably in the US? (I just bought a NOS Water Temp/Oil
gauge that I am in the process of installing, but I'd like to repair my
original unit as well.)
Thanks.
Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
-
archigator - Fourth Gear
- Posts: 554
- Joined: 15 Sep 2003
Post by: dlbarnes1 » Sat Oct 22, 2005 10:07 pm
Try www.gaugeguys.com
Dave 72 Sprint DHC
----- Original Message -----
From: Gary
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2005 2:47 PM
Subject: Re: [LotusElan.net] Smiths Mechanical Water/Oil Gauge
Just took off the bulb at the thermostat housing and found the
capillary tube to have snapped right at the connection to the bulb.
Does anyone know a mail order repair shop that repairs Smiths
instruments, preferrably in the US? (I just bought a NOS Water Temp/Oil
gauge that I am in the process of installing, but I'd like to repair my
original unit as well.)
Thanks.
Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dave 72 Sprint DHC
----- Original Message -----
From: Gary
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2005 2:47 PM
Subject: Re: [LotusElan.net] Smiths Mechanical Water/Oil Gauge
Just took off the bulb at the thermostat housing and found the
capillary tube to have snapped right at the connection to the bulb.
Does anyone know a mail order repair shop that repairs Smiths
instruments, preferrably in the US? (I just bought a NOS Water Temp/Oil
gauge that I am in the process of installing, but I'd like to repair my
original unit as well.)
Thanks.
Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***@***.***
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- dlbarnes1
- Second Gear
- Posts: 139
- Joined: 22 Sep 2003
Post by: Frank Howard » Sat Oct 22, 2005 10:23 pm
Gary,
Gauge Guys, otherwise know as APT Instruments is located about 4 miles from
me. He's an ass, so I use:
<A HREF="http://www.nisonger.com/">Nisonger Automotive</A>
They rebuilt my combo water temp/oil pressure gauge for $120 a couple of
years ago. They even shortened the pipe for the water temperature from 8' to 3'
feet for me as I asked them to do. They also rebuilt my speedometer for $115.
One word of caution. Do not ask them to convert your tach so that it will
work with an electronic ignition system. They do not know what they are doing
in that department. After sending it back repeatedly with no success, I
converted the tach myself.
Frank Howard
'71 S4 SE
Minnesota
Gauge Guys, otherwise know as APT Instruments is located about 4 miles from
me. He's an ass, so I use:
<A HREF="http://www.nisonger.com/">Nisonger Automotive</A>
They rebuilt my combo water temp/oil pressure gauge for $120 a couple of
years ago. They even shortened the pipe for the water temperature from 8' to 3'
feet for me as I asked them to do. They also rebuilt my speedometer for $115.
One word of caution. Do not ask them to convert your tach so that it will
work with an electronic ignition system. They do not know what they are doing
in that department. After sending it back repeatedly with no success, I
converted the tach myself.
Frank Howard
'71 S4 SE
Minnesota
- Frank Howard
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- Posts: 1182
- Joined: 30 Mar 2004
Post by: ElliottN » Sat Oct 22, 2005 11:52 pm
FWIW when you reinstall a repaired temp gauge.
The connections for the tube to the bulb and to the back of the gauge
are soldered so they are the weakest points in the whole
bulb/tube/gauge setup. The most common point of failure of the temp
gauge is where the tube connects to the bulb - which is simply because
that's where the engine vibrations take their toll (surprise, surprise).
When reinstalling you should not only loop or coil the tube between
engine and bulkhead to help absorb vibration but also fix the tube to
the "engine" just up from the bulb. The easiest way to do this is to
clamp the tube (about 6" up from the bulb) to the top of the heater
valve so the soldered joint at the bulb is no longer stressed by engine
vibrations. This is actually mentioned in the workshop manual but is
something I've rarely seen done.
You may have to manufacture a small clamp. If anyone wants to see a pic
I can send/post a photo of an installation.
Elliott.
The connections for the tube to the bulb and to the back of the gauge
are soldered so they are the weakest points in the whole
bulb/tube/gauge setup. The most common point of failure of the temp
gauge is where the tube connects to the bulb - which is simply because
that's where the engine vibrations take their toll (surprise, surprise).
When reinstalling you should not only loop or coil the tube between
engine and bulkhead to help absorb vibration but also fix the tube to
the "engine" just up from the bulb. The easiest way to do this is to
clamp the tube (about 6" up from the bulb) to the top of the heater
valve so the soldered joint at the bulb is no longer stressed by engine
vibrations. This is actually mentioned in the workshop manual but is
something I've rarely seen done.
You may have to manufacture a small clamp. If anyone wants to see a pic
I can send/post a photo of an installation.
Elliott.
Elliott - 70 S4 dhc
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ElliottN - Second Gear
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Post by: Arno Church » Sun Oct 23, 2005 6:49 am
It is hollow and filled with alcohol ( I believe)
They go bad when the alcohol leaks out . The minutest of crack will do the
trick
Arno
_____
From: ***@***.***lto:***@***.*** Behalf
Of Gary
Sent: 22 October 2005 06:59 PM
To: ***@***.***
Subject: [LotusElan.net] Smiths Mechanical Water/Oil Gauge
I'm curious how the water temperature half of the stock Smiths
mechanical water/oil gauge works. Is the wire from the sensor solid or
is it hollow? (I'm not going to break mine open to find out.) What is
it that typically causes these gauges to go bad? Thanks.
Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
CopyrightC LotusElan.net and the author:
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They go bad when the alcohol leaks out . The minutest of crack will do the
trick
Arno
_____
From: ***@***.***lto:***@***.*** Behalf
Of Gary
Sent: 22 October 2005 06:59 PM
To: ***@***.***
Subject: [LotusElan.net] Smiths Mechanical Water/Oil Gauge
I'm curious how the water temperature half of the stock Smiths
mechanical water/oil gauge works. Is the wire from the sensor solid or
is it hollow? (I'm not going to break mine open to find out.) What is
it that typically causes these gauges to go bad? Thanks.
Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
CopyrightC LotusElan.net and the author:
SPONSORED LINKS
Plus
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Plus&w1=Plus&w2=Sprint&w3=Devoted&w4=In
cluding&w5=Enjoy&w6=Impressions&c=6&s=78&.sig=55w7tO9kdtY4DfvZJtgmkg>
Sprint
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?t=ms&k=Sprint&w1=Plus&w2=Sprint&w3=Devoted&w4=
Including&w5=Enjoy&w6=Impressions&c=6&s=78&.sig=YyQsfBN-x0Ud5EgsXfK_zw>
Devoted
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Including
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ncluding&w5=Enjoy&w6=Impressions&c=6&s=78&.sig=W-N1f2ExEGUpa3d-xOFLqQ>
Impressions
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Post by: leojenbo » Tue Nov 15, 2005 9:42 am
The capillary on my current gauge is broken, and I assume it cannot be
repaired. Therefor I am going to buy a new one, but which Smiths Oil
Pressure/Water Temperature gauge is correct for the Elan Sprint:
- Oil pressure from 0 to 100 lbs per square inch. Water temperature from
30 to 110 degrees C. or
- Oil pressure from 0 to 60 lbs per square inch. Water temperature from 30
to 110 degrees C.
/leo
repaired. Therefor I am going to buy a new one, but which Smiths Oil
Pressure/Water Temperature gauge is correct for the Elan Sprint:
- Oil pressure from 0 to 100 lbs per square inch. Water temperature from
30 to 110 degrees C. or
- Oil pressure from 0 to 60 lbs per square inch. Water temperature from 30
to 110 degrees C.
/leo
Lotus Elan Sprint FHC 1971
Lotus Seven S2 pre-XF 1961
Lotus Seven S2 pre-XF 1961
-
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- Posts: 41
- Joined: 11 May 2004
Post by: garyeanderson » Tue Nov 15, 2005 11:30 am
these folks offer the oil/water gauge with part number of
GD1301-64C078
0-100psi, 90-230F
1/8"BSP, 3/8" BSP Female - this is the inportant part to make it fit
6'6" cap tube
Black face, Chrome bezel
http://www.gaugeguys.com/Smiths/Authentic/classic.htm
I have never delt with them, so some one elae may comment
Gary
--- In ***@***.***, Leo Jenbo <jenbo@d...> wrote:
GD1301-64C078
0-100psi, 90-230F
1/8"BSP, 3/8" BSP Female - this is the inportant part to make it fit
6'6" cap tube
Black face, Chrome bezel
http://www.gaugeguys.com/Smiths/Authentic/classic.htm
I have never delt with them, so some one elae may comment
Gary
--- In ***@***.***, Leo Jenbo <jenbo@d...> wrote:
-
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Post by: cliveyboy » Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:19 pm
I have just replaced the Oil and temp gauge on my Sprint with one from Paul
Mattys.
They are 0-60psi oil pressure.
The capillary tubes are replaceable but its a specialised job.
Adrian Sidwell in the UK quoted me about ?60 for a repair/refurbishment and
I think Mattys were ?80+ for a new one.
Just out of interest I believe Chapman changed to a 60psi oil gauge as
people were questioning the oil pressure as it was only half way up the
gauge. (maybe an urban myth)
Clive
Mattys.
They are 0-60psi oil pressure.
The capillary tubes are replaceable but its a specialised job.
Adrian Sidwell in the UK quoted me about ?60 for a repair/refurbishment and
I think Mattys were ?80+ for a new one.
Just out of interest I believe Chapman changed to a 60psi oil gauge as
people were questioning the oil pressure as it was only half way up the
gauge. (maybe an urban myth)
Clive
- cliveyboy
- Fourth Gear
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Post by: leojenbo » Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:34 pm
Clive,
I have also heard the myth and expected the right scale for a Sprint
should be 0-60PSI, but my current is 0-110PSI. The oil pressure is about
70PSI when cold (20W/50 oil). Do you expect that will be a problem for the
0-60PSI gauge - except for looking a little odd ?
/leo
"Clivey Boy" <***@***.***>
Sent by: ***@***.***
15-11-2005 14:18
Please respond to
lotuselan
To
***@***.***
cc
Subject
RE: [LotusElan.net] Re: Oil Pressure/Water Temperature gauge
I have just replaced the Oil and temp gauge on my Sprint with one from
Paul
Mattys.
They are 0-60psi oil pressure.
The capillary tubes are replaceable but its a specialised job.
Adrian Sidwell in the UK quoted me about ?60 for a repair/refurbishment
and
I think Mattys were ?80+ for a new one.
Just out of interest I believe Chapman changed to a 60psi oil gauge as
people were questioning the oil pressure as it was only half way up the
gauge. (maybe an urban myth)
Clive
I have also heard the myth and expected the right scale for a Sprint
should be 0-60PSI, but my current is 0-110PSI. The oil pressure is about
70PSI when cold (20W/50 oil). Do you expect that will be a problem for the
0-60PSI gauge - except for looking a little odd ?
/leo
"Clivey Boy" <***@***.***>
Sent by: ***@***.***
15-11-2005 14:18
Please respond to
lotuselan
To
***@***.***
cc
Subject
RE: [LotusElan.net] Re: Oil Pressure/Water Temperature gauge
I have just replaced the Oil and temp gauge on my Sprint with one from
Paul
Mattys.
They are 0-60psi oil pressure.
The capillary tubes are replaceable but its a specialised job.
Adrian Sidwell in the UK quoted me about ?60 for a repair/refurbishment
and
I think Mattys were ?80+ for a new one.
Just out of interest I believe Chapman changed to a 60psi oil gauge as
people were questioning the oil pressure as it was only half way up the
gauge. (maybe an urban myth)
Clive
Lotus Elan Sprint FHC 1971
Lotus Seven S2 pre-XF 1961
Lotus Seven S2 pre-XF 1961
-
leojenbo - First Gear
- Posts: 41
- Joined: 11 May 2004
Post by: Frank Howard » Tue Nov 15, 2005 8:16 pm
Leo,
I live 8 miles from the Gauge Guys and I can tell you that the guy who runs
it is an ass. I had my oil pressure/water temp gauge rebuilt, including a new
capillary tube for $120 when I sent it to:
<A HREF="http://www.nisonger.com/">Nisonger Automotive</A>
Frank Howard
'71 S4 SE
Minnesota
I live 8 miles from the Gauge Guys and I can tell you that the guy who runs
it is an ass. I had my oil pressure/water temp gauge rebuilt, including a new
capillary tube for $120 when I sent it to:
<A HREF="http://www.nisonger.com/">Nisonger Automotive</A>
Frank Howard
'71 S4 SE
Minnesota
- Frank Howard
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- Posts: 1182
- Joined: 30 Mar 2004
Post by: cliveyboy » Wed Nov 16, 2005 7:56 am
Leo
My engine is just rebuilt with 1500 miles of running in.
It has the uprated high flow oil pump and the 60psi gauge is just about OK
as the needle reaches full scale. It drops down into the mid 50s when warm.
On the subject of overpressurising a gauge. As long as you do not massively
over pressurise a gauge and have the needle bending around the end stop. Any
gauge should be OK working "slightly" above its maximum scale but its not
ideal and the accuracy can be quite bad.
Clive
My engine is just rebuilt with 1500 miles of running in.
It has the uprated high flow oil pump and the 60psi gauge is just about OK
as the needle reaches full scale. It drops down into the mid 50s when warm.
On the subject of overpressurising a gauge. As long as you do not massively
over pressurise a gauge and have the needle bending around the end stop. Any
gauge should be OK working "slightly" above its maximum scale but its not
ideal and the accuracy can be quite bad.
Clive
- cliveyboy
- Fourth Gear
- Posts: 877
- Joined: 22 Sep 2003
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