aftermarket underdash 3 gauges

[Billccm]

Hello:
My car has the ever popular no brand name 3 gauges under dash pod. This particular set has a AMMETER, OIL PSI (not electronic), and TEMP.
To get the ashtray out, I had to take the two of the gauges out of the pod to get the ashtray screws out (at least they did not drill holes to install).
ANYHOW, the temp gauge has a very thick line connecting to the back of the gauge. The line has a brass tube that is sort of pressed into the nut. This brass tube came loose, so when I gently pressed it back onto the nut I heard a POP. Not sure if I damaged the gauge as I did not connect the battery and start the car tonight.
I know some of the really old style temp gauges had a glass bulb in them as sort of a thermometer. Assuming I damaged the gauge, what is a good replacement?
Thanks for any help and/or comments. Take care, Bill

 

[mmissile]

If it's a mechanical gauge, and the tube broke....it's useless.

Bourdon Tube gauges aren't used anymore because of cost and convenience factors. The tubes are delicate and must be carefully routed from the dash to the appropriate fitting on the engine. The gauges themselves are far more expensive than electric or electronic gauges and if the tube is kinked or split the entire gauge assembly must be replaced.

 

[Bruzilla]

I have a vintage set of Stewart-Warner gauges that came with a 73 doner car I bought. The temp gauge doesn't work on it either, but I leave it there for show.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

You can buy a replacement mechanical water temperature gage at any parts store. Equiss (sp?) are cheap at O'Reilly. The only thing I'd recommend is that before installing it, put the sender in a pan of boiling water & use a sharpie marker to mark the exact 212F position (the only temperature that water boils at under standard pressure). One of my "el cheapo" gages was dead on & the other one was off by about 3F.

 

[Ranger16]

When I searched for mine (I wanted the old Stuart Warner style) I found that they come in several different diameters. Start with that and your search will be easier.

Just be sure that the oil pressure line is copper all the way back to the motor. NEVER use a plastic line.

 

[Billccm]

Well, I don't know what caused the loud POP, but the gauge is still working. Fired up the car today just to let the fluids circulate 15 minutes, and the gauge was steady at 190F. Borrowed a friends infrared gun, and measured anywhere from 170 to 200F at various spots under the hood and coolant hoses. The in dash temp gauge reads dead center, so I'll assume for now that my under dash temp gauge is still good.

My oil pressure line is plastic! Do you know what size copper line I need and fittings? I will change this soon.

Thanks for all of the replies.

 

[Ranger16]

If I remember correctly my oil pressure line is 1/8". I would guess that yours is the same.