Fuel/temp gauge repair.

[dczerwonski]

Hey,
My fuel/temp gauge is broken. The heating wire inside is fried, needs rewinding. Do you have any tips on this? What wire should it be, what resistance, etc. ?

Best,
David

[simplyconnected]

David, the wire is NiChrome with high resistance like your toaster has, only small in diameter. I have no clue where you can source it but that job is best left up to 'gauge repair' guys. They weld the wire to the bi-metal strip so they have equipment and correct components.

I can tell you that the reason your gauge burned is because it was fed constant 12 volts from your Constant Voltage Regulator. Disconnect your CVR to protect your other gauge until you get a new CVR. - Dave

[High Plains Drifter]

Question about the cvr. Could you not use the resistor below for the gauges? It reduces 12v to 6v for ignition coils. I've used them when converting 6v cars up to 12v on the gauges. It prevented the gauges from getting fried.

[simplyconnected]

Question about the cvr. Could you not use the resistor below for the gauges? It reduces 12v to 6v for ignition coils. I've used them when converting 6v cars up to 12v on the gauges. It prevented the gauges from getting fried.

You need a voltage regulator, one that outputs the same steady voltage regardless of ambient temperature, load, and battery voltage (that goes between 10-14.5 volts). A resistor will not regulate voltage or current. - Dave

[High Plains Drifter]

Ah, interesting. You still doin the conversion to solid state? If so, can I mail my cvr to you? And what's your price and turnaround?

[simplyconnected]

Johnathan, yes. I perform this service for our members at a discounted price because they support our site.
Do you have an original CVR? If so, I can gut it and build my solid state components inside, On the outside, it looks stock.
Message me with your phone number and address. - Dave

[simplyconnected]

Ah, interesting. You still doin the conversion to solid state? If so, can I mail my cvr to you? And what's your price and turnaround?

Johnathan, I sent you a PM. I used to say that my turnaround time is two days. I've revised that because it's more important to test the new CVR for a day under load. I don't anticipate any problem, nobody does, but I will be sure you're getting a quality CVR, shipped with insurance. -
Dave

[dczerwonski]

I have no clue where you can source it but that job is best left up to 'gauge repair' guys.

I did some research and that's not going to be that simple in Europe. Couldn't find anyone familiar with that.

In the meantime, could you suggest any temporary solution? I mean some kind of cheap modern gauge, so I could keep eye on the temp. Anything fits?

[jopizz]

You could just get a good used one. Carl Heller (partsetal) has many Squarebird parts that he is selling and he will ship worldwide.

John

[simplyconnected]

John has an excellent suggestion. That will bring you back to 'stock' condition.

BTW, are BOTH your TEMP and FUEL gauges burned?

[dczerwonski]

Yeah, PO removed the voltage regulator and shorted the connectors for some reason...