Electric water temperature gauge

[Red Line Components]

I need to fit an Smiths electric water temperature gauge on my 1968 Series2 until the original one is repaired.

It still has a dynamo and the chance of a steady 10 volts which the gauge needs is zero.

 

What are my options, perhaps a stand alone battery (12v) to run it, perhaps not totally accurate but should work for a few days without frying the gauge?

[Jonathan Kay]

That should be OK. I'm trying to think of a suitable battery or power supply...

Or you could use a multimeter.

How does the usual gauge work?

How much does the supply voltage vary once you're up above idle?

Jonathan

[Red Line Components]

The original gauge is a capillary mechanical gauge, I have robbed the Smiths and sender from my Caterham.

Was going to use a spare 12v car battery.

[Jonathan Kay]

That should work, but it's a lot of mass and volume.

Have you checked the thread on the electrical sender is the same?

How about the multimeter approach:

• On the Caterham measure the resistance at a couple of temperatures.
• Move the sender and the multimeter to the S2. Put the multimeter where you can see it. Will need a new long lead.
• Keep an eye on the resistance compared to those known values.

Jonathan

 

[Red Line Components]

Thanks for the suggestions Jonathan.

 

The sender fits fine using the Caterham adapter.

I have fitted a small battery and will make do with that.

 

Cheers

Chris

[elie boone]

Smiths gauges can work on 10 V but you need 1 of these http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?pCode=070.019

[Red Line Components]

Thanks Elie, see you soon.