Sticky water temp gauge? Read on...

In case anyone else runs into this…

My newly restored combination water temp/oil pressure gauge worked once, then showed a tendency to stick at 60C, remaining there even when the engine was cold. A call to Nisonger (the instrument restorer) resulted in a suggestion that the mounting might be too tight, which turned out to be true. The two nuts that secure the bracket that holds the gauge in the dash were tightened to the point that the case distorted slightly. Loosening the nuts restored correct operation.

The gauges look great and, for the first time in a long time, they all work.

Mmm, interesting. I had my gauge refurbished by Speedy Cables last year and ever since re-fitting the temp gauge needle has ‘zeroed’ at about 30 deg C and the oil pressure needle doesn’t move smoothly, it stays on zero till, evidently, pressure has built up then it lunges across to 80, where it likes to remain until the engine is switched off. :confused:

I’ll certainly try out your loosening-off trick and post feedback.

on my cars fresh rebuild (don’t know who did) dual gauge the oil pressure didn’t move at all - well just a bit, a millimeter up at 3000 rpm cold engine… :open_mouth: and dropped back to zero at 1000 rpm. After taking the front glass off, I found the needle wasn’t connected to anything :unamused:

Anna