pugwash Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 which gauges are preferable? are mechanical more reliable? if so, is this offset by the buggeration factor in changing them? what about hot lines in the cockpit? what happens if you get electrical ones wet- and i mean submerged? do they just give up? fill up with water? does anyone have any experience with both types? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MogLite Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 I've had a dashboard full of oil from a dodgy connection on an oil pressure gauge - never again. I've roof mounted all the VDO vision gauges in MogLite. The panel is on four screws and 2 quick release plugs. In case I want to try a mad river crossing or something. egauges.com for some, eBay for quite a few. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landrover598 Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 what happens if you get electrical ones wet- Due to getting muddy water in the temperature sender connection, the guage was reading nearly in the red which got me a bit concerned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 all my gauges are electrical signaled/operated, I've recently changed the 2 voltmeters for VDO vision range units. in the dash top pod from the left are 2 x voltmeters [winch & vehicle batteries] oil temp & oil pressure, in the main panel are from left -- speedo,rev counter [VDO as in V8 50h vehicles] water temp & fuel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark90 Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 I like the accuracy and easier readability (2-3x the full scale deflection usually) of the mechanical guages for 'critical' readings. Bulkhead isolators are available if you want to keep oil out of the cab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted September 2, 2006 Share Posted September 2, 2006 No-one has fitted mech gauges to vehicles as standard for about 20 years, that says something IMHO... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pugwash Posted September 2, 2006 Author Share Posted September 2, 2006 they're cheap- like the birdy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoSS Posted September 2, 2006 Share Posted September 2, 2006 I dont like the idea of pressurised oil in the cabin (never seen isolators) mech temp gauges rely on capiliary action, always more delay & inaccuracy. And in any case with elec gauges, the sender can always be replaced. mech you buy a whole new gauge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
02GF74 Posted September 2, 2006 Share Posted September 2, 2006 I dont like the idea of pressurised oil in the cabin (never seen isolators)mech temp gauges rely on capiliary action, always more delay & inaccuracy. And in any case with elec gauges, the sender can always be replaced. mech you buy a whole new gauge. well I sit on top of 10 gallons of highly flammable liquid so a bit of oil in the cab ain't gonna worry me I did have the knob end come of the capillary so know what is it like to have oil over the interior heater - easy fix to resolder it back on. the water temp capillary has advantage of indicating when there is no power. I like mechanical (capillary) in as far as the pointer is centred; electrical ones have the poiner pivoting at 6 o'clock position. if I were to go it all again, I'd go for electric - much bigger choice and easy to move dueto unclipping of 2 wires. there is a set of 3 elecrical guages, centre pivot on a website for kit car parts. Car builder solutions - take a look at those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark90 Posted September 2, 2006 Share Posted September 2, 2006 No-one has fitted mech gauges to vehicles as standard for about 20 years, that says something IMHO... Aye, leccy ones are cheap and easy to fit, plus a regular market for replacement senders. I dont like the idea of pressurised oil in the cabin (never seen isolators) Bulkhead isolator kit for mechanical pressure guage here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveG Posted September 2, 2006 Share Posted September 2, 2006 in the dash top pod from the left are 2 x voltmeters [winch & vehicle batteries] oil temp & oil pressure, in the main panel are from left -- speedo,rev counter [VDO as in V8 50h vehicles] water temp & fuel But ralph, how are you going to cope without the clock!! The VDO guage do look good, must get round to the rev counter upgrade. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
green110 Posted September 2, 2006 Share Posted September 2, 2006 Recently bought some gauges (temperature and oil pressure) from FW Murphy who specialise in engine protection systems for fixed plant and similar. I was interested (and surprised) that they recommend and supply mechanical gauges, saying that for the same money mechanical is more accurate and more reliable. These gauges have switches built into them to trigger engine shutdown when temp etc goes too high/low, which I would have thought would have been easier to do electrically. I guess on a machine with very high pressure hydraulic lines everywhere an oil pressure sensing line at 60 psi or so isn't really a concern. Hoping to have the system up and running by mid-week so I will find out if they work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted September 2, 2006 Share Posted September 2, 2006 But ralph, how are you going to cope without the clock!! The VDO guage do look good, must get round to the rev counter upgrade. Steve still got a clock, it's a rectangular one in the as built location between rear wiper switch & cigar lighter in the small panel under the normal radio. just to the left of the phone handset. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Log Posted September 2, 2006 Share Posted September 2, 2006 Unless you go to a marine manufacturer, I doubt you will find that any gauge is designed to work in such extreme conditions. For ease of instalation and replacement I would go for electric ones. Just make sure all the connections are soldered properly (chuck the crimper and the Scotch Locks in the bin!). If you can watertight the area behind the gauges then this will help but bare in mind that most gauges don't like being completely sealed as it encourages condensation. Cheers Log Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.