Can you fix a broken temp sensor cable?

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Mar 22, 2008 18:49:08
David64MGB
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I have three dashboards to scavange parts from but none of them have a working water temp sensor. Two of the them have the cable broken off a foot from the gauge and the third has a break in the coiled wire around the centre cable. Is there any way to repair the broken coiled wire? Am I SOL and forced to buy a new gauge and sensor for $160?

Mar 22, 2008 19:03:44
FTD in an MGB
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If the internal capillary tube is not damaged it will likely still work. It is probably weak at that spot however, so keep an eye on it.

If you want to test the temp. reading, boil a pot of water on the stove and drop the bulb in.





Mar 22, 2008 19:06:13
David64MGB
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I tried the water test. I did try boiling water. The dial didn't even move. Very distressing. The gauge hasn't moved in about 25 years. Maybe it is stuck.

Mar 22, 2008 19:16:28
FTD in an MGB
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In that case, you are SOL as you so aptly put it. The ether has made it out of the capillary tube somehow - time for a professional rebuild or a new unit.

Mar 22, 2008 19:19:50
RSS
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FTD in an MGB Wrote:

Quote: "
In that case, you are SOL as you so aptly put it. The ether has made it out of the capillary tube somehow - time for a professional rebuild or a new unit.
"


...both of which cost roughly the same. :(

I recently put an aftermarket Smith's dual gauge into my '73, and the quality is actually very good. This seems to be one of those times when the new stuff can be as high-quality as the OEM stuff.


Mar 22, 2008 19:54:25
Derek up North
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FTD in an MGB Wrote:

Quote: "
In that case, you are SOL as you so aptly put it. The ether has made it out of the capillary tube somehow - time for a professional rebuild or a new unit.
"


Not so fast. Try this:-

http://www.ply33.com/Repair/tempgauge

if it works, you own me 1 OSH.

And if you don't have boiling water (or even a cup of coffee) handy to test the gauge, you can just pass a match or lighter BRIEFLY under the bulb to see if the needle moves. If it doesn't you've quickly established if there's still ether in the system. Accuracy you can worry about later.

Mar 22, 2008 20:11:51
David64MGB
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Thanks, now that I understand how it works, I will try to figure out what is wrong.

Mar 22, 2008 20:19:27
FTD in an MGB
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Derek, very cool link. If that procedure works for anyone I'd consider them a professional!

Mar 23, 2008 06:49:42
Tom Bedenbaugh
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Nisonger Instruments can fix it for you.

<http://www.nisonger.com/>

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