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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Temperature guage

I have a 948cc frog eye but the water temperature guage doesnt work (it doesnt move at all). Does anyone have any ideas how I should go about
checking and testing to see where the problem is?
I read somewhere that if it was broken, it would be permanently on hot,
Many thanks
G Vickers

where ever you read that don't bother again because when it is broken it will read zero. Have you had it apart lately?
Bob (robert) Midget Turbo

No, I havent touched it. Only had the car a couple of weeks, so just getting aquainted, so to speak.
G Vickers

OK it is many years since I had a frogeye but the temperature gauge is the same as most others. It is a capiliary that works similar to a glass thermometer. It is sealed and as the bulb at the end warms up the expansion of the liquid inside the capiliary tube moves the temp needle upwards.
a common problem with these gauges is that some people unaware of the way they operate unscrew the capiliary rendering the gauge useless.
To test it is a simple matter of placing the bulb in boiling water and checking the gauge reads 100C or 212F The bulb I believe on the frogeye is mounted in the radiator top or it may be in the side of the cylinder head just above the dynamo not sure which. Must get a new memory when they become available.
Bob (robert) Midget Turbo

Bob.. Radiator.

It's my guess as Bob points out, that is most likely to be a broken or at least damaged capillary tube. They are a bit of a bar stuard to fit and you MUST ensure that you do not kink or break the new capillary as they are full of eather or alcohol.

The Frogeye gauge is not easy to locate new, so it is advisable to get your own reconditioned. There are a few companies that do this but don't be in a hurry. I have just had one done by Moss in Bradford, not a fast turn around, but a lovely job.

Oh, sorry.... welcome to this BBS, we look forward to seeing you on here and at events in the future. Will you be at Spridget 50?

Mark.
Mark Boldry

Mark: thought these capillaries were full of mercury?
dave c

"but dont be in a hurry"
Doesnt that aply for ALL brittish (classic/car)companys?!

Arie de Best

Thanks for your advice - very helpful .
Am just about to buy ticket for the Gaydon party. Hope I havent left it too late but only got thro the MOT today (phew!!) so didnt know we would be ready in time.
Graham
g Victors

Graham, you will note from another posting on this board that Online bookings for Spridget 50 are now closed, however there are still places available but you'll have to now book by phone or letter.

Dave C. No, not mercury! (not that I've ever come across).

Mark.
Mark Boldry

Oh ! Have just come back from the 50 site (having paid by credit card) to see your message so am confused!
Graham
g Victors

This thread was discussed between 05/05/2008 and 06/05/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.