I'm going to fit a temp gauge to both mine and my daughters 850's.
What are the pros and cons of mechanical and electric gauges.
I'm thinking of fitting the Smiths Magnolia/Chrome gauges.

Phil

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Mechanical gauges are good if you want to watch the temperature with the power switched off, or providing power to a gauge is difficult. There's not really anything else to distinguish them above electric. Conversely, the copper tubes are relatively delicate, and restrictive in where you run them, needing broad curves and careful handling. Electric gauges are simple to install in comparison, as long as you can get power to them.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I thought much the same Mick.
I'm not keen to put a large hole in the firewall for the bulb of the capillary tube of the mechanical gauge.
I should only need a feed from the ignition switch for the electric gauge for mine (-ve earth), but my daughters is +ve earth. Is there anything special I need to do in this case or does the gauge just work on electrical resistance regardless of electrical current flow ?

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The electric gauges will work in either +ve or -ve ground cars.

If you need to fit a voltage regulator, then you will need to watch the polarity. Modern gauges don't need a voltage regulator however. They're a leftover from a time when the voltage commonly sagged with cars fitted with generators at idle.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I'm guessing the new Smith gauges don't require a voltage regulator.
This is what I was considering.
http://www.minisport.com/smibt2240-04c- ... -ring.html

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I'm currently using electric - but I've just bought a mechanical gauge. I'd just like to keep an eye at all times on exactly what temperature the car is running at and not needing to rely on a constant and reliable power supply for it. If you're interested I'll be selling my electric gauge in the next couple of weeks and it'sin magnolia

Cheers
James

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