TheSamba.com :: View topic - Will a water temp gauge work the same as an oil temp gauge?

Fri Mar 16, 2012 10:14 am

After a very long and exhaustive search for a set of gauges that resemble the factory gauges, I have settled on the Stewart Warner Power Series gauges. However thy have a water temp gauge but no oil temp gauge. Other than having water temp written on it, what is the real difference in operation between an oil temp and a water temp gauge?

Fri Mar 16, 2012 10:42 am

The difference is about 200 degrees celcius

Fri Mar 16, 2012 10:44 am

Electric or mechanical?

With either, the biggest difference may be the senders as far as resistance range, threads and connections.

There is of course the difference in face markings.

The water gage may have a higher overall temp range or max., oil temps run lower than coolant.

It is strange that there is no oil temp gage in that SW line.

Fri Mar 16, 2012 12:56 pm

it is electrical. But really operating temps are about the same range for water cooled and aircooled engines. 190-215 degrees Fahrenheit. I was just curious as I am torn between the autometer Olde Tyme gauges and the SW Power Series. Just need a solid deciding factor.

Fri Mar 16, 2012 1:43 pm

If you don't mind your oil temp. gauge saying water temp their won't be any problem. On my two bugs I use a dual temp sending unit from GM cars from 1959-1964. I have a green light that goes out at 114 degrees and a red light that comes on at 240 degrees. If the car would have either light on the car is not driven, and if the red one is on the engine is shut down.

D.

Fri Mar 16, 2012 2:06 pm

I have VDO Series 1 gauges as an approximation of the stock clock

The vendor sent me the water temp gauge instead of oil temp; I think the only difference is that it was water written on it. The main thing is that 200 is in the middle, as these gauges are supposed to be most 'accurate' in the mid-range of the reading.

Fri Mar 16, 2012 2:52 pm

The series 1 gauges were also a thought. They just dont offer the tach in a 2 1/16 size to fit in my gauge panel nor does the SW but, the Olde Tyme does. Here are pics of said gauges next to the o.g. speedometer

Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:10 pm

Seen this?

http://nhspeedometer.com/vw/1.htm

I think they're custom built by nhspeedometer and probably a bit spendy. Nice tho'.

Fri Mar 16, 2012 8:01 pm

Dangermouse wrote: Seen this?

http://nhspeedometer.com/vw/1.htm

I think they're custom built by nhspeedometer and probably a bit spendy. Nice tho'.
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Expensive or not, they look great....just the job.

D.

Sat Mar 17, 2012 10:56 am

I just inquired about said gauges and here is the pricing. The tach I $200.00 and the temp and pressure gauge are $130.00 each. That is pricey. But nonetheless they do look fantastic. It would set one back over $500.00 when the price of the senders are included which is $36.00 for each sender.