Re: Temperature gauge repair

Posted by HH56 On 2008/11/3 22:52:50

It works very well. I did it for a friends car when the original SK article came out & biggest problems then were finding the sleeve material and a good fast soldering iron that was maneuverable. It does take a good fairly high wattage iron. I used a Weller 250 watt gun type but I notice the author is using something temperature controlled but undoubtedly less.

Sleeve was a pain and don't remember what I finally used but now lots of stores & most hobby shops carry brass tubing in assorted sizes. I believe the original article in SK called for a putting the bulb and tubing (leave gauge outside) in freezer for a few hours which I did. The bowl of ice is an even better idea since you do have to move fairly quickly once the tubing is cut.

EDIT: One thing that is not mentioned is all the tubing -- but old tubing in particular -- has to be absolutely clean, grease and everything else free or won't take a good solder coat. Clean it very well for a few inches before cutting.