6 replies to this topic

[pusb]

I want to change my dash back to original which would be just the single speedo.

 

However the idea that with no temperature gauge means my only warning of an overheating engine would be steam billowing out of the bonnet is concerning.

 

I was thinking of using the spare light socket on the speedo to wire in a high temperature warning light. Has anyone ever tried this or have any idea how to do it?

 

I was thinking of using an adjustable fan switch to turn the light on at a certain temp, but would this work?

[stocky]

I think your idea would work as you are only changing a fan for a bulb in the circuit

 

Personally I would rather have a cooling fan if I went to the trouble to install a fan switch in the first place

 

I hope that helps

[Spider]

All the original senders are basically variable resistors that are used with gauges. If connected to a lamp, the best you would get would be a lamp that goes from a dull glow to a brighter glow and pretty much useless as well as meaningless.

 

You would want a switch, similar to that used for a fan, but, once the light comes on, while it is 'Hot' you won't know just how 'Hot' is is and if by slow gentle driving, (for one example) if that's bringing the temp down. You also won't see if it's a slow rise in temp or a quick one, which can show the difference between something that needs maintenance and something that needs replacing.

 

Some of our locally built early non-mini cars here had Temp Lights. When they coma on, it was too late.

[neal]

I suppose an adjustable fan switch like in the Kenlow kits or some thing similar would do, you can then trim it to a particular temperature of your preference but as mentioned it does have it's limitations with a light. 

[maccers]

Cant you use a seperate temp guage? Am sure the single speedo housings have two smaller holes either side, for a clock, oil pressure/ coolant temp etc.

[nicklouse]

why would you want to go to the single binnacle?  we always upgraded to a triple or added extra gauges. water temp and oil pressure . I did not bother on my pick up as it was bog standard and ran fine.

[Ethel]

Originality, he said.

You could use something like an Arduino to read the sensor and control the light - different brightness and/or flashing for different conditions. Or how about some LEDs illuminating the fuel gauge - blue cold, red too hot?

There are also various thermic switches, my pug diesel had one.