Mechanical or Electric temp gauge

I'm gonna added a temp gauge this weekend (replace the factory one) Which is more accurate a Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge? I went from a 180 degree thermostat to a 195. And I swear that my gas milage has dropped!

 

Re: Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge

I don't think there's a big difference. I'd go electric. Just buy a quality product: Stewart-Warner, Autometer, etc.

A mechanical oil pressure guage is better though.

 

Re: Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge

I've got a mechanical Autometer for both temp and oil. Both work extremely well, and the temp gauge is nice because it works when the jeep is off also.

 

Re: Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge

I like the mechanical temperature gauge, but more care must be taken during the install to route the capillary tube so it doesn't get kinked or broken.

 

Re: Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge

A mechanical temp gauge does not have a capillary tube. I thould have a copper (or other metal) thermal conductor that relays the temp to the gauge.


the mechanical oil pressure gauge however does have a small capillary line to convey oil to the back of the gauge.

 

Re: Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge

I think if you are using an Autometer gauge, they call it a capillary tube, based on this question in the FAQ:

http://www.autometer.com/tech_faq_answer.aspx?sid=1&qid=4

 

Re: Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge

thats interesting, my autometer has a braided metal coupler.

 

Re: Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge

that is interesting. Do you think there could be a small tube inside of it?

 

Re: Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge

You think it could be a thermocouple instead of a true mechanical type? I don't think it can be a heat conductor as such - I'd think such a thing would be too much affected by the air temperature. A wire that size has a pretty high surface-to-mass ratio. And you say this is an analog gauge that does not fall when you turn off the power?

 

Re: Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge

Its definitely not a thermo couple type electric gauge. I thought it was an odd setup also, but I'll have to check and grab some pics. I am 100% certain of 2 things 1) its not an electric gauge. 2) its not a capillary tube from the "sending unit" to the gauge.

 

Re: Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge

Stewart Warner and other mechanical temp gauges with the bulb on the end are capillary tube type. The bulb and tube are filled with alcohol. As the bulb senses temperature, the alcohol expands and the resulting pressure causes the gauge to deflect. So gauges of this type are essentially a pressure gauge calibrated in temperature units.

 

Re: Mecanichal or Electric temp gauge

Thanks! The guy at th eparts store lastnight also called the mechanical one's a capillary tube. I'm thinking about going mechanical. The only power source on th eones I was looking @ last night were for the lights.

 

I brought a new mechanical temp gauge this weekend the instructions states that it's capillary is filled with ether!