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MG MGA - Temperature gauge

Hi all,
The temperature gauge in my MGA worked fine for 10 years. But recently I noticed that the needle indicates 40C with a cold engine. At normal running temp it indicates 60C (should be around 85C) and when I stop the engine the temp needle rises to 75C(should be around 100-110C). So I think that the capilaire systeem is ok. If there should be a leak I think that the gauge would not work at all.So I think there is something wrong with the mechanical part of the gauge. Has anyone had the same problem and if so does anyone know if it is repairable.
Herman
H. Jorens

It has failed, and needs to be rebuilt with a new capillary tube. It will just get worse and worse until it doesn't work at all.

Speedograph Richfield do a good rebuild service.
Dominic Clancy

Herman

These gauges are made brand new in UK by Caerbont Automotive and sold by Moss etc. Caerbont have the rights to manufacture under the Smiths name and can also produce with the Jaeger face. Google their website.

I have no connection with Caerbont.

Cheers
Dave
Bolney Coupe

A repair of your present gauge might be the better idea.

I have a Caerbont Automotive Inst Ltd 'Smiths' gauge in front of me now, it was manufactured September 2007 and fitted to my midget in 2008 for 12 years until I broke the the capillary tube connection, it was fine (other than perhaps under reading a little).

It's replacement I got this year and had to return to the supplier as it under read by even more and it's needle was too mobile.

The replacement for this gauge reads the same as previous gauges I had in Spridgets but again it's needle seems a little more mobile (sensitive?) than I remember the previous gauges of a decade or three back.

I did contact Caerbont and they were helpful but I'm not sure this product is made with the same functional tolerances they used to be - but the 12 year old gauge's appearance even with 12 years uncosseted use remains as good as new.
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 06/09/2020 and 08/09/2020

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