I am about to start again restoring a 27 coupe to give to my sister. The car had a really neat fuel gauge that mounts in front of the passenger door. It has no markings on it but appears very serviceable. I would like to take it apart to clean the inside glass but don't want to ruin it by un-sealing it. Does anyone have experience with this type of gauge and does it come apart or is it sealed for life. Harv
I have one similar. If its modern industrial type the top will screw off and you can remove the glass tube to clean, there is a gasket at top and bottom of most.
Just wondering if there is any flow restriction to prevent gas from overflow when taking off fast or up steep hill. I have a shut off valve so when I brake hard it doesn't over flow. (gas tank at rear-Torpedo)
I am in no way affiliated with McMaster -Carr, but part No. 3713K4 could be helpful if you cannot restore or re-use the one you have.
I just found a similar gauge on page 214 of Henry's wonderful model T by Floyd Clymer.. It's called a (National Gas-ometer) the one in the book is for a frame mounted tank but looks similar, only for a cowl mounted tank. I wonder if any club members have any experience restoring one of these.Harv.
Harvey.....Have one....never have been able to keep it from leaking around the glass tube. Please let me know if you cone up with a solution....Jerry.
Here's Two other brands from our collection posted here under Accessory Of The Day A While back.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/191138.html
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/191507.html
Thanks Jay, I'd sure like to find some original literature on the one I have. Harv.
I have one that was on my 27 Tudor when I bought it 30 years ago. The ends unscrew from the main body. While attempting to fix a leak using home made neoprene washers, I tighten it too tight and the glass tube broke. I found a new glass tube and washers at McMaster -Carr. There is a small vent inside the top so mount it high enough so that the top is higher than the gas level. When hooking up the gas line add a Tee fitting and an additional shut off valve going to the gauge. Then if it ever leaks you have a way to shut it off until repaired.
John, thanks for the information. The next rainy/snowy day I'll bring that in and see if I can unscrew and restore. What did you finally use for washers to seal. Thanks again Harv.
I used O rings and thick glass from McM-C. I have a shutoff and restrictor also.
Harvey, I ended up using O rings also. The McM-Carr gaskets were too thick. When you get it apart you should will have a better idea of what thickness you will need. As I remember I think there is a combination of brass washers at the top with one that had a small pin hole that provides the air escape vent.
Harvey, I found a gauge in many tools and parts I bought a year or so ago. It was unusable because of dark stain/dirt in and at back of tube. Removed the top cap and broke part of tube when taking it out of the metal housing. Filed the metal and then removed the glass. Filed the glass until even and flat again and added a rubber gas line piece to take up the 1/4 - 1/2 inch gap I created. Cleaned/painted and reinstalled the glass with a clean white paper behind. Works great. you will love it. Once installed then ran out of gas. If over filled or empty looks same. Nick
Great information Nick. I'll let you all know how it turns out. Thanks. Harv.
I found out once about the sun building pressure in the fuel tank and over flowing from the vent hole once when it was sitting in the parking lot. Luckily no one called the HazMat and I returned back to car when I did.
You should be able to easily find a suitable gasket. PM me in case you don't and let us know it works for ya!
How about a fuel gauge for a '26 T roadster? Would love to have as we now use the half-tank rule. I'm sure they had them then and would like to hear from anyone who has one and "How I did it!"
Joe R.
I picked this on up to use on the 1927 my Roadster project. Made by Cooper and works by a chain!
I once drove over Trail Ridge Rd with one and gas kept coming out the vent because of the pressure changes. It has never done that with normal terrain. A shut off valve would not be a bad idea.
Thanks Duane for the picture and the info. I will try to keep my eye open for such an item or maybe luck out and find someone with one to sell.
Have a great Holiday all.
Joe R.