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Triumph TR3 - TR3 Capillary Temp Gauge

I imagine this question has come up before. I had to destroy the capillary tube in my engine to get it out when I changed my engine. I have tried a TR4 electric temp gauge but I get erroneous readings because of voltage stability problems. Yes, I installed the voltage stabilizer. I would like to go back to my capillary gauge but need to get it repaired. Is somebody out there doing this for TR3's?
thanks,
Howard
Howard Petri

Yes, there is a place called Mo-ma in Albuquerque that has had very good reports.

Have a look here:

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/dash/dt101.htm
J. S. Wallace

I have had work done, including a temp. guage, by Palo Alto Speedo. They are excellent. The web site is www.paspeedo.com
T ADDISON 1

Thanks for the clues. I'll give them a call.
Howard
Howard Petri

If you don't mind a non original gauge, Revington has capillary gauges cheap. Maybe you could graft yours with the capillary on these. I did read the process once, putting the bulb in dry ice and silver soldering the graft. Has to be cold, I understand it's ether in there. On ebay, rebuilt ones go for around $150. Maybe more. Post again when you get done with the switch, tell us how it went.

By the way, what's the trick to not destroying the tube when you remove the nut on the thermostat housing? Lots of patience and liquid wrench? Heat? Leaving it on the housing forever?
Tom

I called Mo Ma in Albuquerque today and they claim they do 130 of these temperature gauges a year. Not sure if the meant TR3 only or all types. They just want the gauge, they don't care about the Bourdon tube or line going to it. Cost is $135.
As far as removing the tube undamaged, I don't know as I failed. It was just welded in and nothing, heat, Kroil, tapping, nothing I did succeeded in getting it out in one piece.
Note, Mo Ma told me that if you have an old oil pressure gauge it can be converted into a temp gauge as they both work on the same principle. They will install the proper Bourdon tube and reface it. So don't throw them away.
Mine will be off to Mo Ma with a check tomorrow.
Howard
Howard Petri

Interesting that an oil pressure gauge can be used. Thanks!
Tom

A word of warning when having MO-MA restore any of your gauges: the finished gauge will return looking so good that it will look very much out of place with the other five. Either send all six or call Margaret at MO-MA and ask for a solution to the "I only need one gauge restored dilemma". MO-MA's finished product is that good.

Lou Metelko
Auburn, Indiana
Louis Metelko

A customer today told me about a splice that is available for capillary tubes. And yes, they are filled with ether. He said that if you unsolder the end of the temp probe, you will find a small hole. Splice, add ether, resolder, check against boiling water. IF the temp is not on, add or delete some of the ether, then resolder. He is supposed to be emailing me the source for these splices.
chris

Here is the link for the capillary tube splices.
http://www.laboratorynetwork.com/Content/ProductShowcase/product.asp?DocID={1C3612A3-5CD6-4EFB-B3F5-738CA72D4314}&ATC~C=009+S=001+R=001+L=a&VNETCOOKIE=NO
chris

I just got my temp gauge back from Mo-Ma and it looks like it's brand new. The workmanship is excellent. Now to try it out in the car.
Howard
Howard Petri

I installed the temp gauge and it works perfectly. Finally I will know if this car is overheating or not. Mo-Ma did a really nice job. It's nice to see that somebody out there still knows how fix these old devices in our throw away society.
Howard
Howard Petri

This thread was discussed between 02/11/2005 and 23/11/2005

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