5 replies to this topic

[lotusk]

Hey all,

I have recently bought a Smiths mechanical water temp gauge and tried fitting it at the weekend. Removed the standard electrical sender for water temp and tried fitting the bulb in its place. Problem is the bulb is too long and bottoms out on the water jacket.

I have also tried this fitting, TE5 which is supposed to provide enough depth for the bulb BUT the internal diameter of this part is too small for the bulb!!

http://www.minispare...ty=pb&pid=37436

Any thoughts on how I can get this to fit?? Does anybody know of another spacer or adapter which will accept the bulb and provide enough depth?

Thanks in advance,

Kieran

p.s. the gauge is a Smiths Classic, 270 degree sweep, 30-110c mechanical water temp gauge.

[Cooperman]

I had the same problem, or so I thought. In fact, there was a build-up of 'muck' inside the head and when I poked it with a big screwdriver, the unit fitted fine.
If the head is a 12G940 casting there should be no problem. I believe the adaptor is for small-bore engine heads like the 850 and 998.

[lotusk]

Thats interesting... the bulb needed at least another inch of space when I test fitted it. Not sure what the casting is but its an 11-stud on a 1380, as far as i'm aware! Not having built it and having no history makes it difficult to be sure!

I'll give it a poke tomorrow. In the meantime, is there any reason why the diameter of that adapter wouldn't be large enough for the bulb? Or do I just need to squeeze it through? I don't really want to risk damaging it.

[dklawson]

There are Smiths gauges that are not appropriate for the A-series engines. In particular, the ones for Jag engines had larger diameter expansion bulbs. However, I think the Jag gauges also had a nut to secure them in place as opposed to the male threaded bushing used on the A-series. Anyway, it's entirely possible that the gauge you bought is not suitable for an A-series head.

[lotusk]

The part no. for the gauge I have is TG1310-01C078

Bought it from Speedy Cables, link here; http://www.speedycab...inorgauges.html

Are you able to tell from that whether its suitable for the A-series?

Thanks for your help.

Kieran

[dklawson]

From one of my U.S. sources for that part number I found the following description:

"Classic Mechanical Water Temperature Gauge, 52mm, $144.72
Supplied with 6' 6" capillary. 3/8" BSP female connection. 5/8" UNF male thread also available."

The version with the 5/8 UNF male thread "should" fit the cylinder head of the Mini. It sounds like you bought the correct version as long as it has the 5/8" thread. I do not know why the expansion bulb won't fit your cylinder head. Sorry.