MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Temperature gauge

I think I have some time coming up to try and repair my temp gauge.. Might be good to do when it is freezing out to help keep the ether down in the bulb.
I read a few threads and wondered if anyone has a suggestion on a brand or model to use as the donor. I would think matching the tube size would be help wth the radiator fitting as well as getting the connector piece to fit both.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
TLW Wright

When I've done it I just purchased the cheapest auto temperature gauge that I could find. The ether capsule fit fine into the fitting on my TD. The size of the tubing is very small, about .020", and will fit into the appropriate piece of brass tubing that will match up with the T-car gauge tubing. Solder makes up the difference. Check the archives for more info. Just remember to put the fitting over the tubing before you do the soldering. Bud
Bud Krueger

Anyone know of any other vehicle that used the same temperature gauge that is in the TF 3 in 1 gauge? Thanks in advance!
David Werblow

Thanks for the info. I will see what is out there.
TLW Wright

Is there maybe a compression fitting that may sure as a union out there?
TLW Wright

The thread "Inside diameter of Water Temp Capillary Tube" in the archives is suggested as a good source of info. One of the links in it is to a Plymouth source that's really good. Bud
Bud Krueger

thanks. i knew i had read that but could not find it.
TLW Wright

I pulled my temp gauge out this evening. It looks like someone may have soldered a new line into the gauge itself. I wondered if I could heat the solder and pull the tubing out? Or would this cause more issues in the gauge?
Also when I got the gauge out it sounds like something is loose inside of it. The needles are not moving but it sounds like something is rolling around inside the gauge. So I guess it needs to come apart. Any good threads on doing that?
I have not searched yet but you all seem to know old ones I should look at.
I will put some pics on tomorrow. If this is too complicated I guess I will need to find someone who repairs these.
Thanks
TLW Wright

Are you working with a combination oil/water gauge? DO NOT unsolder the tube from the back of the gauge. Bud
Bud Krueger

Yes. It looks like an original TD gauge.
Figured unsoldering it might be an issue since no one said to do that. Any idea on the rattle? Linkage to the temp mechanism?
TLW Wright

Bud, why not unsolder the capillary tube? Last week I filled 5 guages with ether and unsoldered and re-soldered every one at the gauge-tube connection. I understand that too much heat in this area could do damage to the Borden tube connections but I have not had any issue with this.
Cheers, Hugh Pite
H.D. Pite

Hugh, it's strictly in the interest of safety. There is no question of your skills and expertise. Bud
Bud Krueger

Well Hugh and Bud.... there is a question on mine. HAHA. Actually i talked to the guys at Nisonger Instruments. you know it is really not that bad for them to rebuild the gauges. plus they calibrate them and guarantee for a year. So i also pulled out my speedo (not the suit) and sent it as well. time to work on something else and i got lots of options... haha
but thanks for the help all.
TLW Wright

actually just picked up a new member to the family... too many toys!i think i have a problem...

TLW Wright

Still puzzled what Bud means. What exactly is the danger? Is any soldering dangerous, or just soldering to the back of the gauge?

When I am told not to do things, without an explanation why, I tend to go and do it.
kylemorley

Kyle, there's more detail in a number of the archives. But, briefly, the ether that we're talking about is highly flammable. Not everyone is as careful as they should be in terms of the environment that they're working in. Soldering, per se, is not dangerous. I've been doing it for a whole lot of years, but I wouldn't use a Weller soldering gun to work on ether tube. Bud
Bud Krueger

This thread was discussed between 02/02/2014 and 06/02/2014

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join this live forum now