Temperature Guage

[alexander]

My temperature gauge has always started a quarter way across the scale, never dropping back to the stop at 30 degrees. The indicator moves as the car get hot and shows a reading higher up the scale which looks very much like the movement I would expect if starting from the 30point. I have checked the cars running temperature with another bulb type gauge and the car is not running hot. My question is can the gauge be adjusted or does it need to be sent for repair?
Thanks Dave

[David Morris]

Hi Alexander,

Sorry, it looks like your gauge needs some TLC. I don't think there is any adjustment, but if you can gently get the glass away, you might be able to manually shift the pointer to zero, or whatever the ambient temperature is at the moment?

You didn't mention what type of gauge you have? It could be an early rectangular one, a round one fitted to deluxe's or the one fitted to the triple type of multiple gauges in the one assembly, used on later standards or CD's.

All the best,

David

[nigel jarrett]

Hi Alexander
The gauge on my PA was very similar in operation but unfortunately ended up replacing it with a recon unit

[Forumadmin]

If the needle is moving then the capiliary seems intact. If you take the glass out by carefully leavering the tabs back then you should be able to adjust the pointer.
Look in the SA Rebuild or Early Javelin rebuild thread in the best bits of Jupiter and Javelin respectively for pictures.

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[alexander]

Thanks everyone I will try adjusting with care but may have to post again asking for recommended gauge repairers !! . I will leave starting until after Sunday so I can get the car out on local roads for drive it day with luck weather will be kind.
Dave

[alexander]

Thanks everyone for suggestions pleased to say I managed to adjust the pointer. I tested the gauge by putting the sender in a mug of boiling water and gauge reached nearly the 100 C mark. Went for a drive this morning so nice to see the pointer sitting half way across the gauge.
Next is the petrol gauge which works but never shows empty, sender works the problem is the gauge adjustment. I need to get two 68 ohm resisters to reset the gauge at full, empty and half full.
Not done this before but found a very good article on MGAguru.com.
Dave

[Keith Clements]

I do not think the MGA gauge works the same. https://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/fg_07.htm

When you say the sender works OK what does it measure in ohms in the three positions?
The sender is a coil of resistance wire with a pick up connected to the float. Make sure you have a separate earth wire from the sender base do not rely on the chassis.

Do a search for 'petrol sender' on JT.

[alexander]

Hi Keith
Just checked the sender readings, they wander a little but this is what I have. 84-90 at full , 1.1 at empty and 45 at approximately half way.
Added extra earth at sender and gauge with no difference. No ignition on the gauge reads zero as I would expect.
Sender connected ignition on, sender at full position gauge shows full, sender at half way gauge shows half full , sender at empty gauge shows quarter full.
Not certain what reading I should have do they seem ok
Thanks
Dave

[Forumadmin]

That is about correct 100 ohms is reported elsewhere. I would suggest the needle needs adjustment for empty. Just short out the sender wire to earth and adjust for zero.