1966 Elan S3 DHC Oil/Water Gauge

[simonriley11]

My gauge needs replacing as the water temp has stopped working. There appears to be two types available in the UK, 0-100 psi oil pressure or 0-60 psi oil pressure and the 'font' of the numerals is different. My owners handbook seems to show the 0-100 psi gauge - can anyone advise as to which is the period correct one for my car.
Thanks, Simon

[billwill]

Remember you might be able to swap over the markings plate from your existing gauge, or get some professionals to do it.

[simonriley11]

Ok but my gauge needs replacing as the water temperature gauge has stopped working. I need to buy a new gauge anyway so it would be nice if I could get the correct one for the car.

[StressCraxx]

You can have your existing gauge refurbished by a specialist. The capillary tube likely cracked and the ether was lost.

[simonriley11]

I had a similar gauge refurbished a while ago (for my Turner) and it cost more than one of the new ones for the Elan. My S3 currently has the 0-60psi gauge which I think is incorrect, does anyone know if I should have the 0-100psi gauge?

[Craven]

99% certain for a 1966 car, 100psi scale. I’ve owned 3 S3’s all with 100 psi gauge.

[elated]

I am equally confident that 0-60 oil (with centigrade water) would be correct.
The gauge was easily damaged yet difficult to source and similar items fitted to contemporaneous cars were commonly substituted confusing the picture.
Gordon

[Gordon Sauer]

67S3 dhc here but the dual gauge has oil 0 to 60 water to 110, had car since 72, Gordon

[Billmack]

You need to put in more info. What series??

[simonriley11]

Thanks for all the help - my car is a 1966 S3 DHC. For what it's worth the period owners handbook appears to show a 0-100 psi gauge. The only reason I'm making a bit of a fuss is that I have the choice to get the correct gauge although from your replies it appears that either would be right! (typical Lotus)

[geni]

Je me trouve dans situation identique et en faisant des recherches certains fournisseurs propose un modèle spécifique a l'Elan (60°) et aussi a prix différents !selon le fournisseur revendeur
Alors si vous connaisser une bonne adresse faite le savoir a la communauté des Lotussiens
geni
I find myself in the same situation and while researching some suppliers offer a specific model to the Elan (60 °) and also at different prices!
So if you know of a good address let the Lotussian community know
geni

[richardcox_lotus]

My understanding is that 60 degree gauge was introduced as the idle pressure displayed on a 100 degree gauge was giving customers heart attacks. Which would imply the 100 degree was used on earlier cars, and the 60 degree on later cars.

However my 72 Sprint has a 100 degree gauge !

So who knows !

Regards
Richard

[smo17003]

60 psi on my late '68 S4.
I believe that there are also differences in gauge illumination. Some have a hole in the back for a bulb (same as the fuel gauge) and others, like mine, the bulb fits to a bracket on the side of the gauge retaining clamp and then illuminates through slots around the side of the gauge.

Mike

[pharriso]

I have it in my head that S1-S3 have 100 psi & S4/Sprint have 60psi gauges...

[prezoom]

Both S2's I have had were equipped with 60lb gauges. My 72 Plus 2 also had a 60lb gauge, which was changed out to a 100lb gauge when I installed the Zetec, If memory serves me correctly (sketchy), My 64 S7 also had a 60lb gauge.