I don't even want to think about that haha.
Big bronco general talk thread!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,908
Likes: 1
From: Algona, Washington
I like the optimism Brett, I am still alive haha. This definitely had some sort of gas in it, I don't know what kind though, the gauge doesn't have a brand name on it that I can see so I may have to search a bit more. But for now, here are the pics.
I remember someone saying that sometimes these have a wire in the center of this spring thing or a small plastic tube or something. This is definitely neither.
And my new dash hole, wonder what I should put in there to make it useful... I don't have dash vents unfortunately so that's out of the question. I thought about stuffing a Tach in there but I have no idea how to wire the sucker up yet.
I will do some more research and see if I can find any info on gauges that use a gas to tell temperature. I am thinking that as it warms up the gas expands and pushes the needle across the gauge, or something like that.
I remember someone saying that sometimes these have a wire in the center of this spring thing or a small plastic tube or something. This is definitely neither.
And my new dash hole, wonder what I should put in there to make it useful... I don't have dash vents unfortunately so that's out of the question. I thought about stuffing a Tach in there but I have no idea how to wire the sucker up yet.
I will do some more research and see if I can find any info on gauges that use a gas to tell temperature. I am thinking that as it warms up the gas expands and pushes the needle across the gauge, or something like that.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6,815
Likes: 708
From: Tobyhanma, PA
Lol that just looks like the old crappy gauges they had before electricity. New sensors are electric and just ise a wore. The old ones like that actually had a copper tube going to the back of the gauge.
Never used them because i didnt like the thought of a tube with oil coming into the cab
Never used them because i didnt like the thought of a tube with oil coming into the cab
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,908
Likes: 1
From: Algona, Washington
Hmm, I wonder if this was similar but with a gas instead of oil. It was in the truck when I bought it but somehow stopped working. Or maybe it was a vaporized oil from heating up or something. In any case I don't really like it so It's garbage. The tube does go right up to the gauge and unless you take the housing apart, you cannot get the gauge out. Much better having the OEM gauge working 
I'm still curious as to what the gas was that came out. That way if I ever smell it again I will know what it is.
I'm still curious as to what the gas was that came out. That way if I ever smell it again I will know what it is.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,908
Likes: 1
From: Algona, Washington
Alright here is the correct thread 
I figured it out! How Automotive Temperature Gauges Work I had a Bourbon style mechanical temp gauge. It uses an easily vaporized fluid like alcohol and when the coolant heats up that fluid it expands up to some spring in the gauge head which spins the needle. I don't know if mine was filled with alcohol but it isn't harmful. I'm not sure why it stopped working but now I know how it works, I can throw it away. Once that small copper hose breaks or kinks, the entire system has to be replaced. Not sure why the PO installed this crap but whatever, it's gone now.
I figured it out! How Automotive Temperature Gauges Work I had a Bourbon style mechanical temp gauge. It uses an easily vaporized fluid like alcohol and when the coolant heats up that fluid it expands up to some spring in the gauge head which spins the needle. I don't know if mine was filled with alcohol but it isn't harmful. I'm not sure why it stopped working but now I know how it works, I can throw it away. Once that small copper hose breaks or kinks, the entire system has to be replaced. Not sure why the PO installed this crap but whatever, it's gone now.
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Sapphire Blue_95
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jul 30, 2013 09:14 AM
