Has anyone come across a good equivalent coolant temp gauge for the MEPs?

[Light in the Dark]

I know a Stewart Warner was crossed for the fuel gauge (as well as a VDO)... but has anyone had luck finding a coolant temp? I understand I can swap the sender out and use a different gauge, but theres got to be something​ out there that will work that isnt over $100!

 

[jamawieb]

Yes, search ebay for 100-240 temperatur gauge. Isspro and VDO have 2 models that I've used. I used both with good results. Usually marine gauges work perfect.

 

[Light in the Dark]

I wonder if this topic should be added as part of Daybreaks list of parts and acessories. Surely bad gauges are a pretty common thing... I will do that though. If you stumble upon any actual manufacturer part numbers on what you have bought in the past, please share. Thanks Jimmy

 

[csheath]

I found this Datcon gauge listed for $47.51 but you will probably have to order their $12.83 sensor with it.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Yeah I am hoping to get a few ideas on gauges to reuse the factory sender. Thanks though

 

[jamawieb]

VDO A2C60000963​

Marpac 7-2037

isspro r8750​

These are the ones that I have purchased. I think 2 of them say 12v but it only deals with the bulb for illumination. They all use the stock sender and the Dayton gauge Csheath recommended should use the stock sender.
​

 

[csheath]

You could always contact the different gauge MFGs and ask at what resistance their gauge should read 180 degrees.

Best I can figure the installed sensor should be around 65 ohms at 180 degrees.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Picked up one of the Marpac units on the bit auction site for under $30 shipped. We'll give it a whirl. Thanks again

 

[Ray70]

I've used a couple Beede 947886 temp gages purchased new on the big E- auction site for $24 and free shipping.
The gage goes up to 250 instead of 240 but they work good none the less and the face looks like the gages used on Fermont and reset Libby machines.
I've also used the 80 psi. Beede 12803 oil pressure gages available as cheap as $16. They say "12V adaptable to 24v" in some descriptions but I didn't have to change anything to have it work correctly right out of the box.

 

[jamawieb]

I've used a couple Beede 947886 temp gages purchased new on the big E- auction site for $24 and free shipping.
The gage goes up to 250 instead of 240 but they work good none the less and the face looks like the gages used on Fermont and reset Libby machines.
I've also used the 80 psi. Beede 12803 oil pressure gages available as cheap as $16. They say "12V adaptable to 24v" in some descriptions but I didn't have to change anything to have it work correctly right out of the box.

Yes, I've used those temperature gauges too, they just read off by 10degrees. I also second the oil pressure gauge.

 

[csheath]

Picked up one of the Marpac units on the bit auction site for under $30 shipped. We'll give it a whirl. Thanks again

Have you tried these yet?

 

[Light in the Dark]

Its currently sitting on a shelf in my garage to be installed. Maybe I'll get a few minutes today to do the change.

 

[Light in the Dark]

I will be returning the Marpac unit. The terminals at the back dont work with the stock gauge bracket.

 

[jamawieb]

I will be returning the Marpac unit. The terminals at the back dont work with the stock gauge bracket.

I'm so sorry Light in the Dark, when you asked about the gauges I didn't think about having to add a different connectors. The Isspro doesn't need different connectors and the Beede or Faria marine gauges don't need different connectors, but they read 100-250F so it's 10 degrees off.

FARIA GP0633A

FARIA 12812
​

[SUB][SUP]
[/SUP][/SUB]Beede 947886​

 

[Light in the Dark]

The terminal sizes are correct and present, but they are not aligned in a way which would work with the aluminum bridges the standard gauging uses. Just going to cost me some freight, but a good learning experience for the thread. Here is what the back of the gauge looks like, for those interested:

 

[Light in the Dark]

I am going to go with a Beede 947886 from the big auction site. The rear posts look more appropriate for this application (and it ships with a bridge, should the stock unit not work... wasn't true of the Marpac). $32.77 out the door.

 

[jamawieb]

It should have come with its own bridge, I can't remember specifically but I think this one had a plastic bridge. All the part numbers I referenced, I actually pulled from my ebay purchased activity so i know they were used on different units I rebuilt.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Mine didnt have a bridge, so maybe thats part of it... either way its going back. Beede is on order.