Temp gauge upgrade

[6604KF]

Im wanting to change the standard temp gauge to one that actually tells me the temperature of the coolant!
Im not sure if its best to go for an old Smiths mechanical type, new Smiths mechanical type or a new TIM electric one.
Would prefer the looks of an old Smiths gauge
Has anyone got any views on what's best?
The new smiths gauges say made in uk but are they any good?
Many thanks in advance.
Luke

[whistler]

think the Smiths ones are made in South Wales by Caerbont.

[gazza82]

think the Smiths ones are made in South Wales by Caerbont.

There are some on fleabay that look like Smiths but are made in India .. they're the really cheap ones ...

Old Smiths capilliary temp gauges come up from time-to-time on fleabay too .. Speedycables can repair them when your ham-fisted younger brother snaps the capilliary! But it's nearly as expensive as buying a new one.

[BAD942B]

But it's nearly as expensive as buying a new one.

speak to Richard Jenkins in Redditch 07747357044, he is loads cheaper than Caerbont / Speedycables, he reconditions most types of instrument, he can paint the faces to look like the original electric gauge if needed

[Spider]

It depends which current Smiths Gauge you get.

As best I am aware, the original bi-metal thermal gauges are still made in Wales, they also have a new range that the needle sweeps through 270 degrees around the face. These are a very modern stepper motor type gauge which is in fact made by VDO. I have these newer gauges and they are spot on and reliable. The Temp Gauge does need to be used with the Smiths TT3001-SN, the stock Mini one has the wrong resistance and 'curve' for these gauges. You'll need an adaptor to go with the TT3001-SN as it's 1/8" NPT.

Often though the original electric gauges I found highly reliable and reasonably accurate, what I found to be 'out' is the current range of new senders, they all show on the gauge, much hotter than is the case. These original gauges are adjustable and can be calibrated fairly easily.

[6604KF]

Thanks for all your replies, I will give Richard Jenkins a call as I do have an old capillary type gauge that might be worth repairing.
Good to know that the Smiths ones are made in Wales and different to the cheap India ones on eBay.
Cheers.
Luke

[agricola]

If temp really bothers you the most reliable, in my experience, are the Frank W Murphy Switch gauges these are used on high risk engines like generators etc. They are capillary (mercury I think) and have an adjustable electrical tell tale which you can wire to a warning light and or fan.
https://www.fwmurphy.com/products/gages/20t-25t
Superb bit of kit just a bulky capillary. never tried one on a mini. But if I had an irreplaceable treasure that must never ever get hot I would use one. They also do oil pressure gauges

[timmy201]

I have a mechanical/capillary one on my mini. It works with the ignition on or off and never has a problem with a mismatched sensor or voltage. The only downside to them I see is the pipe is a bit bulky and difficult to install

[mk1]

If its for accuracy & value you can't beat the TIM Ones, if you want something a bit more retro looking then there are often NOS Smiths ones on ebay. If you aren't too bothered about cost, them the new Caerbont / Smiths ones from the likes of Minispares are good but expensive.

[6604KF]

Thanks Mark, that’s really helpful,

[AndyPen]

Could the sender you have be the issue, and not the gauge? This often happens with pre-voltage regulation senders being replaced with the later type for example??? The capillary type are spot on by the way, and you can even see what happens when the ignition is off - which is why many rally cars use them.

[agricola]

Point about the murphy ones if you can find them they were designed to switch off a 100K 500hp Cat generator in the middle of Saudi! and having been designed in the 60s they look retroish