Temp Sensor: Mech vs. Elec

[V8 Middy]

From the threads I've read here, I was all set to install a Speco mechanical temp gauge on the truck. My mechanic talked me into going for a VDO electronic gauge. Now I don't know what to do!!!

I'm interested to hear what has worked or let you down so I get it right first time. (Also whch brand)

Thanks

[stuee]

I've got a vdo electric gauge.....just yet to install it . Was reasonably priced and most shops I spoke too, whether they sold them or not, said they were a quality gauge for the price. If the mechanic is installing the gauge he may be recomending the electric gauge for the easier installation, not because its a better gauge. Just a posibility thats all.

[-Scott-]

Running the capillary tube is a pain, and it's even worse when the bugger breaks.

I have no intention of installing another mechanical temperature gauge, ever again. But my current vehicles have adequate dash gauges, so I'll stick with them.

Scott

[V8Patrol]

The electric guage is like looking out the window and saying ....
" yeah its about 17 degrees outside at the moment"


The mechanicle guage is like putting a thermometer up ya poophole......
its an annoying thing to install but you get a propper temp reading.


I run both .......
the std electric guage ine the dash and I run a mechanicle aswell. I do this in 4 vehicles which get a fair thrashing and it supprises me at times the differance in the readings, the mechanicle guage is far more responsive when the "heat" gets turned on and it continues to show a readout even after the engine is turned off.......

On one rig I deleted the electric dash guage and installed a simple red warning light instead, this combined with the mechanicle guage works a treat !

Kingy

[shorty_f0rty]

i run both too.. the stock temp guage is electric (comes on when you start your car), whereas your mechanical is always on.. and I like the accuracy of the mechanical (aftermarket) one too



my vote: mechanical

[HotFourOk]

Does that liquid swish around in your gauge shorty?

I always thought they looked as though they need more liquid in them.. lol.. Are they meant to be full?

I've bought an Autometer mechanical oil pressure gauge, but heard bad reports (even illegalities) of having an oil line running into your car.
Not sure whether to go buy an electrical one...

[stuee]

I've bought an Autometer mechanical oil pressure gauge, but heard bad reports (even illegalities) of having an oil line running into your car.

I've heard the same. I think this is why some guys mount them outside the window on their bonnet........then get a canary for protrusions out of the bonnet . Seen some neat installs though where they lie under the bonnet line (towards the middle) and point towards the driver. Not sure how the gauges would handle the elements though or the heat from the engine bay. For me personally the mechanical gauges are like kingy says, difficult to install, and I only wanted a back up gauge for the factory landrover one as I've heard these are notorius for failing. Also got an elec oil pressure gauge lined up but still got to try and source adaptors for the sensore so the factory warning light still comes on.

[LuxyBoy]

I've bought an Autometer mechanical oil pressure gauge, but heard bad reports (even illegalities) of having an oil line running into your car.
Not sure whether to go buy an electrical one...

I would definately get the electrical i have heard of oil lines busting and sending oil throughout the cab

Or you can go the shmicky way and get the electric combo where it is a screen that you connect all of your temp/pressure type gauges and it has readings for them all in one pretty pricey tho

[V8 Middy]

I had a look at the mech temp guage and the sensor is sealed metal so I'm guessing there is no chance of half my coolant ending up in the cab. I'm guessing there is some sort of fluid in there though. I'm sure I could run it through some loom tube or something so its protected from vibration wear etc.

The biggest factor is which is most accurate?

[HG]

Mechanical is the only way to get accurate readings, I run 2 mechanicals (1 in each head), I used to run 1 mechanical & 1 electric but the electric gauge packed it in so it got the flick.
All of them are/were Speco and I've tested them with a thermoter and the only one that wasn't spot on was the electric one (when the water read 80 deg the gauge said 70)

[V8Patrol]

The biggest factor is which is most accurate?

All of em will be more accurate than the dash unit !


I bought a tripple set of really small guages from the "Warehouse" for all of $20.......
They are just on 35mm across and fit on the navis side of my bash car brilliantly. They are more accurate than the dash guage yet they would be the cheapest pieces of shyte I've ever seen.


Kingy

[V8 Middy]

So it sounds like mech is the go... question now is which brand.

VDO and Speco are the only two I've heard regularly mentioned. Any to avoid?

Thanks again

[cloughy]

Capillary senders are more accurate, just dont kink the tube!

Kingy where are all your senders mounted, as that would cause the differences between reading on the same engine

[fnqcairns]

This thread has just reminded me to pull out the mechanical fuel pressure guage I fitted just to the side of the steering column 7 years ago on the EFI petrol car
My missus would never forgive me and rightly so.

interestingly it has passed around 6 roadworthys since.

cheers fnq