I've just installed a Smiths temp gauge, it's got a 12v input but goes to right off the gauge. Is it the wrong sender unit? The connections aren't labelled, have I connected it back to front?

I think 12v or more will send it right off. Power should come from the voltage stabiliser, which is the funny looking box which I think is fixed to the back of the speedo on all non-clubman cars. That will give you more like 10 volts. See how that goes.

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'68 Deluxe w/Metro engine

I measured the voltage from the stabiliser, one terminal was earth and the other two terminals both showed 12v. I measured it with the ignition on but the engine not running, will this make any difference?

Should be 10V on one lug, not 12V. However it depends what you measure with, as output is low frequency chopped DC (is 1950s vibrator technology).
An analog meter (remember them?) will read ~ correct.

Makes no difference if motor running or not as long as ign is on.

If the V stabilizer is nfg, contact `wombat' for an electronic one.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

My modern(ish) digital meters read 10v from the stabiliser, so you may pick up the correct voltage with them. I think other sellers will have the one with modern internals - I think I got mine from Mini Spares uk. Not cheap, but then, probably a miracle that any of the old ones still do what they are supposed to!

Here is a Mini Mania page dedicated to the topic (probably more than you would ever want to know!).

http://www.minimania.com/part/C34770A/V ... ini-Cooper

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'68 Deluxe w/Metro engine

The stabiliser seems to have three posts, an end post that goes to earth, a centre post and the other end post. Is the centre post 12v and the end post 10v?

As I understand it, there is provision for a 12v feed (battery, hence should be marked with a B), then terminals off to instruments (marked I), and earth. Have another look at the Mini mania page - there is a small picture of it, and if its not identical to yours, should help you get started.

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'68 Deluxe w/Metro engine

Should the factory fuel gauge run off the 10v or 12v?

10V for the fuel gauge...

cheers,

Jacob

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'72 Clubman Van - 1022cc, 295 head, 731 cam - Daily Driver
'69 Morris 1100 S - Dinged by a bus, in shed under repair
'64 Morris 1100 - Early 1100, long term project