Smiths Gauges (Again)

[Rod]

Sorry for starting another thread on Smiths Gauges but I can't seem to find the answers through a search.

I am looking to purchase an oil pressure and temp smiths gauge to complement an ammeter that I have. My question is relation to the difference between mechanical and electrical. I am not sure what these gauges are but I am asking what I should look for on the back of them to distinguish between the two. I understand that on the back of the oil gauge there is a thread for the capillary tube to be attached but unsure what I should look for on the temperature gauge. The oil gauge isn't a concern if its mechanical or not as tubes etc can be purchased but I am not too sure about the temp. The temp gauge doesn't come with a sender which is of a concern if it mechanical. A search  brings up electrical senders but not mechanical senders. Is there anyone that can tell me what I should look for on the back of the temp sender to distinguish between electrical and mechanical. If it is mechanical does anyone know where I can purchase the appropriate sender?

On a side note through searching this topic I have found that electrical smith gauges operate at 10 volts and need a voltage regulator. Does this sound right?

Finally can anyone tell me how I should wire up the ammeter?

Cheers

Rod

[KFH]

I have a "mechanical" Smiths temperature gauge.  It has a capillary tube with one end connected to the gauge and the other end has the bulb connected to it which screws into the block.  The tubing is enclosed in a metal protection sleeve similar to a choke cable only more open.  I hope this helps.

Keith

[RET]

Finally can anyone tell me how I should wire up the ammeter?

With the correct gauge wire. The wiring to an ammeter has the full current of the vehicle running through it. If the gauge of the wire is too small, it's a short cut to putting the "fire" in "firewall". Make sure that the firewall hole has a good grommet in it, too.

cheers
RET

[Rod]

Thanks Keith and RET,

RET am I correct in reading between the lines that I should reconsider fitting the ammeter? The gauge I have got didn't include wiring and I was only going to fit it it due to its looks not from a functional point of view.

Rod

[newman]

Thanks Keith and RET,

RET am I correct in reading between the lines that I should reconsider fitting the ammeter? The gauge I have got didn't include wiring and I was only going to fit it it due to its looks not from a functional point of view.

Rod

Do yourself a favour Rod and put the amp meter on your shed's shelf as an ornament and buy a Smiths voltmeter a practical and safe alternative.

Mick

[Rod]

Ammeter is on the shelf as Mick and co have suggested.

I have managed to get an oil and temp gauge. Oil is capillary while temp is electrical. Is there anything I can do to check if the temp gauge is funtioning or not prior to fitting it. Ie:are there any bench tests I can do to check if its working or not. Do these things need calibrating or not.

Cheers
Rod