Temp Gauge Undereading , Is there a cheap temp alternative?

[terryp]

Thanks Bill, will get one on order. I checked the thread measurement and it's 0,656 inches which would seem about right.
Luckily I don't need an oil pressure one as I am going to temp fit an old gauge I have in place of the dual one.
Cheers
Terry

[robertverhey]

I have a lotus excel with a notoriously inaccurate temperature gauge. Have been thinking of fitting one of these. Might also be useful for your situation. Robert

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/150607838650 ... 1423.l2648

[rgh0]

I just replaced mine in the Elan. The adapter is a 3/8 BSP parallel thread that the sensor bulb nut screws onto.

cheers
Rohan

[terryp]

Rohan
Thanks for confirming that,, I have one on order now. I might even try one of Robert's gizmos above.

Robert
Perhaps you could let us know what it is like?

Thanks

Terry

[terryp]

UPDATE:
Well I have removed the gauge, capped the adapter and I now have a very nice full dial smiths oil pressure gauge in its place. (Came off a very old car I had)
The options:-
1, don't have a temp gauge and trust in my full Cliveyboy twin fan set up. I can normally tell when the temp is rising. I also have a warning lamp when the fans are on.
2, fit a separate Smiths temp gauge and electric sender (all of which I have in the garage) there is also a nice position on the other side of the radio and I can even take the 12v supply from the fuel gauge.
3, buy a digital version mentioned above and neatly mount under the dash cost ?12
4, have the old gauge repaired by speedy. Cost is ?65 + all the postage + vat total around ?100
5, new gauge , the best price I have seen is ?110 delivered here to France.

I am leaning towards option 2 but I am a little concerned regarding originality , having said that the rest of the car isn't that original.
Any body with any ideas or comments?
Thanks

Terry

[mbell]

I'd go for 2 as well. That set up is used on later cars, so only real expert will notice and to rest of us will look like standard setup.

[rgh0]

I went for option 5 when my gauge failed like yours recently. I will also get the old one repaired and keep as a spare. I have an added volt meter to the left of the radio already which I wanted to keep, so option 2 was not an option for me.

cheers
Rohan

[terryp]

Rohan
I have a new old stock standard +2 electric sender, I can't remember on my +2 whether it fitted the engine without an adapter.
Will it fit direct?
Thanks
Terry

[rgh0]

Hi Terry

The electric sender for my Plus2 screws directly into the head - no adaptor. The head thread is 3/8 NPT Tapered.

cheers
Rohan

[terryp]

Thanks Rohan, I'll check my sender

Cheers
Terry

[gjz30075]

I also have a warning lamp when the fans are on.

A bit off topic here but is this a Cliveyboy thing? I'd like to do the same to my fan arrangement but not sure how/where to wire in the light. Do you have a schematic, perhaps?

You can pm me
Thanks,
Greg Z

[terryp]

Greg
I connected a wire to the blue wire going into the relay from the fan temp controller (basically a switched earth) to one side of a lamp, the other to a Ign live. When the relay is told to switch on (via hot engine) and the earth is made my little lamp lights up

Terry

[terryp]

I have just offered up my electric sender (bought for a +2) and it seems I have a bit of a problem.

The hole in the head (if its the same as the heater valve as I can see this thread) is approx 17mm. The sender I have has a thread of approx 15mm
So do I need a new sender or an adapter and if an adapter ....what adapter!

Thanks
Terry

[rgh0]

The threads are tapered, are you comparing the small end of the sensor with the large end of the hole and they match when threaded in ?

To cold in the garage to check my Plus 2 now - I will have a look tomorrow

cheers
Rohan

[terryp]

Rohan
I have looked on SJS Sportcars site and I think I have an odd sender.
I think the sender is 3/8 BSP (Parallel) You can get an adapter on ebay but its a bit risky as I am not sure the adapter would house my sender fully
So I have ordered a new sender and adapter from Susan Miller. I don't think they are that expensive. I will find out when they arrive
Thanks for your help .....(Again!)

Cheers
Terry

PS I thought it was always hot in Australia like on Neighbours (My daughters watch it)

Edit - just searched on eBay and the sendor I have is for an MGB so unfortunatly I was diddled a few years ago on ebay ..... so whats new?