Installation of Temp Gauge
 

I now see there are other posts regarding this topic.

One question... Is the APCO gauge mechanical or electronic?

Thanks

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

May I piggy back on your question and ask about a temp. gauge with a tube from the sensor to the gauge? How can I repair it if need be, it apparently doesn't indicate. I'm going to pull the sensor and submerge it in hot water. If it works I'm fine, but if there is no rise in the gauge, what next? Thanks

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

That is not a wire, it is a tube that senses pressure with heat. Once you cut it, you now have a wall ornament.

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

That's what I thought! Just like my MGA gauge
need a pretty big hole to run the cable through the fire wall... ick.

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

BD, did you say that you installed the sensor probe in the inlet side of the block?

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

http://www.ply33.com/Repair/tempgauge
If you are successful with this repair, please let us know.

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

Running thru the floor boards many holes would save firewall extra hole

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

Will install probe in upper inlet hose

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

the upper hose is the outlet

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

That might work... seen a couple posts one going alone side of steering box.

Also saw a pic where someone stuck through at the terminal block but no detail on how ?

Closer to the speedo the better.

thanks for the info

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

OOPS my mistake... O.F.S.

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

i would run it through the toe board

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

why use that gauge?
The dial has a very small sweep, thus is not very accurate.
The probe is mechanical, in this case filled with ether which expands with heat. Can be troublesome
Why not use an electrical sender, that way you are only running a wire
Your FLAPS will have a bunch of temp gauges to choose from. Getting a black and white face is no problem, or whatever you choose. The sender and gauge come in one box. Large sweep= much greater accuracy. Marc H. can better explain why this is than I

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

I did the hot water test of the sender unit in my top his connection, gauge worked fine, This being a car new to me I hadn't tested it before and had never seen it move much if at all. The hot water had it shoot right up the scale and it coincided reading with a thermometer I had placed in the water. I'm good to go for a while at least. Thanks for the tips on a replacement gauge when the time comes.

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

What are the FLAPS that you are referring to ?

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

friendly
local
auto
parts
store

ie
napa oreilly autozone fredericks of oops not that one

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

installed Apco gauge with under instrument panel black single mount.
Fit great and looks even better.

Was able to route through terminal box with small cutout in cover. I am not putting the light in. The OEM dash light illuminates the gauge nicely.

On to next project!

http://<a href=

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

Here is what it looks like.


http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1423660521

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

When shopping for Mechanical Temp Gages or Moto-Meters @ swap meets, take along a BIC lighter to test them with. When buying new repro temp gauges, test them in boiling water, to see if they're reading 212 degrees. Chuck went through 4 new NAPA gauges, to get one that was ACCURATE! (Made in CHINA!)
Bill W.

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

I put this apco in boiling water... it was dead on..

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

Keep in mind that boiling water is 212 only at sea level. At Longmont Colorado (5000 ft), boiling was about 200 degree's Fahrenheit.

Marc

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

And, that's why it takes a bit of FOREVER, to cook dry beans, UP THERE! Gotta' soak them overnight!
Bill W.

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

Ok weather improving.... took truck out for a short run. (3 miles or so) Outside temp 63 degrees. Ran well had mixture 1/2 open. Ran 40 mph for a mile then pulled into a large parking lot and ran slowing for about 5 min. Gauge was reading just above 165 or so. Headed back on HWY and temp continued to climb to the upper limit of the green. No steam... no overflow no leaks... check radiator fluid temp 10 min. after sitting with a real temp gauge (long stem scientific) Was at 160+ Pegged meter.

Truck has new radiator.. new water pump and fresh antifreeze.

Question: is this normal temp ?

Before I put in the gauge I ran the truck 50 miles at 45 mph and the moto meter never moved. No overheat or loss of fluid.

I am guessing it was running around 180 degrees.

Opinions welcome

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

Your coolant temperature will normally increase after you shut off the engine. My A temp usually runs ~165°F while moving but when I shut 'er down it with no circulation it will climb to 190°F.

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

To see an article on how to repair an old non working gauge, Google "1933 Plymouth temperature gauge repair" I tried it and it worked great! The range of the needle is slightly reduced but you will have your great era gauge working in your era auto.Good luck.

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

I've found the opposite to be true; electric gauges available at my FLAPS are off often as much as 20*. I prefer to stick with vintage SW gauges or the original Rex-A-Co units made by US Gauge in the 1930's whenever possible; both are quite accurate.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictur...ictureid=30514

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictur...ictureid=30513

Re: Installation of Temp Gauge
 

I have not had a chance to run it and check with Infrared gun. I am running a 2 blade aluminum fan. The radiator is a new reproduction and the engine was gone through prior to me and has very few miles on it.

It is not leaking... hold coolant level just above the baffle. Sensor is in the top radiator hose. Before I put in the APCO gauge I had driven the truck about 35 miles when I bought it and no sign of overheat. It was a 55 degree day. We shall see what happens as outside temps increase. Since everything is new I do not have much room to play with this potential concern.