14 replies to this topic

[Marky Tizz]

Hi everyone

 

I have a Sunpro mechanical temp gauge in the mini. It looks like this:

 

 

The problem I have is that it starts at 210, not at the bottom of the gauge. I can use it as a rough guide as to how hot the mini is running, but I would really like to have a clearer indication as to the running temps, as when sat in traffic for a long time and the gauge is showing 280+ it can get a bit scary...

 

Anyone have any ideas if / how you can calibrate these kind of things? 

 

We did try swapping it out for a Smiths electric temp gauge and a new sensor but that was naff and didn't read right either so put this back in (I don't own the Smiths one, borrowed from a friend).

 

Grateful for any ideas whatsoever!

 

Thanks

[nicklouse]

Are you using the sensor that came with it?

 

looks more like an electrical one than a mechanical one.

 

the mechanical ones I have seen have no adjustment.

Edited by nicklouse, 09 June 2022 - 10:58 AM.

[Marky Tizz]

Are you using the sensor that came with it?

 

looks more like an electrical one than a mechanical one.

 

the mechanical ones I have seen have no adjustment.

 

Yes using the sensor it came with. It is 100% a mechanical one, has the capillary.

 

The more I research the more I agree with you they don't seem adjustable. So why does it start at 210? I can't work this out at all. Can't seem to find anyone else on the internet with the same problem either, with any type of mechanical gauge. It's v v v strange...

[beardylondon]

I see what you mean 210 Fahrenheit is 98 Celsius, very strange.

Edited by beardylondon, 09 June 2022 - 11:14 AM.

[Marky Tizz]

I see what you mean 210 Fahrenheit is 98 Celsius, very strange.

 

Yes even when the car is completely cold, it's like it's calibrated 210 as the bottom of the operating range. Despite being in the middle of the gauge...

 

I might try and take it apart and move the dials round or something. 

[sonscar]

Try this at your own risk.Open the gauge and inside may be a copper?coil or half coil.This is what expands and moves the needle.Judicious tinkering might alter to more sensible readings.As it is faulty now it may be worth a try.Steve..

[Spherix]

Figure out what the ohm range is on the gauge and get a sensor to match. E.g. select the right thread and range here: https://vdo-webshop....erature-sensors

[sonscar]

It is a capiliary tube containing probably ether sealed inside it.Steve..

[Marky Tizz]

Figure out what the ohm range is on the gauge and get a sensor to match. E.g. select the right thread and range here: https://vdo-webshop....erature-sensors

 

It is a capiliary tube containing probably ether sealed inside it.Steve..

 

As Steve said, it's effectively an integrated sensor. It's mechanical not electric so no ohm range to figure out unfortunately.

 

Also as Steve said, as it's faulty I will pull it apart and see what I can do!

[mad4classics]

Does the gauge actually show an increase from it's incorrect start position as the temperature increases? (Gives an idea the mechanism is actually working)

Not familiar with Sunpro gauges, but if you can remove the front bezel and glass to get at the inards you should be able to VERY carefully remove the needle (most gauge needles just pull off; but don't be brutal or you'll break something).

With the sensor inserted in a pot of boiling water (eg. Blow torch on a metal cup of water) it should read 212deg ; re-attach needle to point to that value.

Take care if you attempt this as you don't want to scauld yourself or set fire to something!

Edited by mad4classics, 09 June 2022 - 04:10 PM.

[Marky Tizz]

Does the gauge actually show an increase from it's incorrect start position as the temperature increases? (Gives an idea the mechanism is actually working)

Not familiar with Sunpro gauges, but if you can remove the front bezel and glass to get at the inards you should be able to VERY carefully remove the needle (most gauge needles just pull off; but don't be brutal or you'll break something).

With the sensor inserted in a pot of boiling water (eg. Blow torch on a metal cup of water) it should read 212deg ; re-attach needle to point to that value.

Take care if you attempt this as you don't want to scauld yourself or set fire to something!

 

Yes it does work, it starts at 210 and settles around 250 when moving, 280 when it's hot, 280++ when it's sat for ages idling (hill into Brighton end of L2B e.g....)

 

I will give this a go, thank you!

[nicklouse]

 

Are you using the sensor that came with it?

 

looks more like an electrical one than a mechanical one.

 

the mechanical ones I have seen have no adjustment.

 

Yes using the sensor it came with. It is 100% a mechanical one, has the capillary.

 

The more I research the more I agree with you they don't seem adjustable. So why does it start at 210? I can't work this out at all. Can't seem to find anyone else on the internet with the same problem either, with any type of mechanical gauge. It's v v v strange...

 

But in that picture is is not at 210. Or is that a different one?

 

some did have an adjuster on the back but I would be seeing if the maker is still about and ask them.

 

mine just works. And ready the temp whatever. But it is old.

[Marky Tizz]

The picture was just to show what the gauge was. Mine is sat at 210 when cold.

I got it out the car this evening, no adjustment, can't get the glass off either there's kind of a lip on the bezel. So just gonna leave it and get a new gauge I think!

[cal844]

It may be that the guage is receiving too much voltage?

[nicklouse]

It may be that the guage is receiving too much voltage?

As confirmed it is not electrical.