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#92263 07/06/2005 6:27 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 345 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 345 | I have a non functioning temp gauge in my '54 GMC 3/4 ton which I assume is a capillary unit, (the tube is severed midway down). My truck has a chevy 235 or 261-not sure.
Does anyone know how the capillary system works? Also, to keep my original gauge, or one that looks original, what is my best option? I've heard the Chevys used an electrical sender & gauge.
I'd like to get this working before the temp gets to 102 outside. I'm happy to say that this is the only gauge no longer functioning.
Thanks for any input. | | |
#92264 07/06/2005 1:35 PM | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 985 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 985 | I think you are going to have to contact one of the venders that restores gauges. I have not heard of anyone fixing this problem on there own. Sorry I don't have better news for you. Good luck
Brian Moore
1949 3100 5 window Deluxe
"Today is better than yesterday, but not as good as tomorrow"
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#92265 07/06/2005 2:51 PM | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | the capillary gauges are not "home repairable" - as Brian sez, there are places that restore them, also places where you can buy repro replacements
Bill | | |
#92266 07/06/2005 6:27 PM | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 197 Member | | Member Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 197 | I have read reports of folks fixing these. They buy a new capillary type gauge, immerse the bulb in dry ice, and connect the new tube to the old gauge. Never tried it myself but it seems workable.
Jason
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#92267 08/09/2005 5:14 AM | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 2 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 2 | .I guess this answers my question,I have a broken capillary tube on my 40's temp gauge.So if it's not repairable, how does a shop repair one?I'm pretty handy with working on small items(25 years experience building and repairing micro electronics), so where does one get a new tube? | | |
#92268 08/12/2005 1:36 AM | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,746 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,746 | The cap tube gauges contain a gas similar to Freon that expands when it's heated by the coolant, and the pressure moves a diaphragm connected to the gauge needle. While it might be possible to cool the gas in the gauge enough to solder the capillary tube to the old gauge without losing the gas (or liquid), it would be difficult, if not impossible to get exactly the right volume/pressure to make the gauge accurate. I'd leave the job to the professional gauge rebuilders.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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#92269 08/18/2005 8:06 PM | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 887 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 887 | You can pick up a reproduction guage with the correct color face and needle for about $49.00 from Jim Carter's (items REME925-930). There is a $30. core charge. I think chevyduty has them as does other places like chevs of the 40's etc...
'51 Chevy 1/2 ton w/'62 261, HEI, offy, fentons, dual carter/webbers, t-5 & 12 bolt posi
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