9 replies to this topic

[RedRally1380]

I recently purchased a classic mini 1971 with a 1380 engine, I notice that the temperature gauge worked until it got to normal temp, the needle would then drop all the way past cold (smith’s gauge). I found on the forum that you could test where the problem is by taking the connection off the the temperature sensor and earthing it out, when I done this the temperature gauge needle went up past hot therefore I thought the temperature sensor was not working. So I purchased a new temp sensor I then replaced the old one. The fault still happened on the temp gauge so I installed a new temp gauge it then carried on to do the same as last time the gauge would get up to normal temp and then drop below cold. Now heres the weird part I then went to take it for a test drive the temperature sensor gauge wasnt working and now the speedometer doesnt work. I checked behind the clocks again to make sure I hadn’t accidentally pulled any connections out. All connections were ok so then took out for another test drive still no speedometer or temp gauge. Any help would be greatly appreciated. TIA

[Spider]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Has your Mini got the clocks located in the middle of the dash or are they right in front of the driver ?

The Temperature Gauge by the sounds of it is electric and the Speedo (unless it's been changed out) is mechanical. While they both may well be playing up, it's coincidental and two separate issues.

It maybe with the Temp Gauge that you have a very cold thermostat fitted and / or a mismatch between the sender and the gauge. As you start driving and the engine warms up, this is what you maybe seeing on the gauge, then when the thermostat opens, the temperature does normally drop by as much as 5 degrees.

The Speedo cable may not be fitted back completely or lop-sided, I'd suggest starting with that and then checking of the cable spins.

[RedRally1380]

Hi Spider and thanks for the help, the speedo and temp gauge are located in front of the driver. The speedo is also a smiths, there was also electrical connecters on the speedo cable (to the gearbox) 3 if I can remember rightly on a circle piece of plastic. The old and new temp sensors also look different I don’t know if that will make a difference, the old one has a shorter set of threads and also a more short and thicker piece after the threads. How will I know which temp sensor will match up with my temp gauge. I will check if the speedo cable is connected and also if it spins. TIA

[imack]

Can you post a picture of these 'electrical connections on the speedo cable'.
This is not something I've ever seen before.

[Spider]

Hmm,,,,, sounds like it's been retrofitted with something after-market.

[RedRally1380]

Sorry for the long reply I haven’t had time to get to the car with work I have took the speedo off and the cable is not spinning whilst doing around 20-30 mph. I have attached some photos of the speedo cable electrical piece. Thanks for the replies.

[RedRally1380]

Sorry new to this thought I attached the picture on the last post but didnt realise you had to press another button after picking the picture

Attached Files

•  View recent photos Medium.jpeg   23.72K   5 downloads

[RedRally1380]

I also notice that the grey wire that is coming off the speedo cable is the same colour as the one going into a lap timer I dont know what that may be for

[Mr Piggy]

The thing on the speedo cable looks like a sensor for a Brantz rally trip meter.

[RedRally1380]

Mr Piggy you must be right as the lap timer looks like the one I have attached. I took the radiator out and took the speedo cable off the gearbox and the square piece of the cable was inside the speedo sheath so must of been pulled out the gearbox so it wouldn't turn. Ordering a new cable as it was a pain to get out, to be sure. There mustn't of been a plastic piece on the cable to stop it getting pulled up the sheathing also. Thanks everyone for the help. I’ll let you know how I get on.  IMG_7413.jpeg   50.98K   1 downloads