M38 24V SW Temp Gauge screw-up

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sat Sep 09, 2017 1:47 pm

Ok, you are kidding, right?

Nice photo of your M38......
But in your list is a Cord and a 68 Stingray!!!!

Seriously, do you want a new repop gauge,
a new, old stock gauge, or a used gauge?

Price is what you expect on all three, and the
first two are usually guaranteed to work.

You can find used gauges for a lot less, but you
need to have a conversation with the seller
whether it was working when removed, and what
can be done if you receive it and it does not work.

That's the price for used.

My guess is what you will pay to have yours repaired will
be close to a used takeoff guaranteed to work at minimum.

Where are you located Aris?

arisLgr · Post by **arisLgr** » Sat Sep 09, 2017 3:05 pm

I'm in Athens, Greece, and the M38 is on a Greek island where it operates mostly during the Summer. I bought it in 1974, restored it and have it in working order since then.
A properly working SW temp gauge that looks good is what i want, like you said a used one will do. Any links for SW repair shops that I could get a quote will also help!

arisLgr · Post by **arisLgr** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 5:22 am

Hi all,
Well, I decided to take apart my burned gauge, I carefully pried the lid open on the lathe and as suspected I found burned one of the two ‘pinions’ or ‘coils’ ( whatever the proper name is..), here are the pics

Because my gauge is really in MINT condition, I just bought from ebay a ‘working’ one and plan to use it for parts here is the link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Douglas-Conne ... 1438.l2649

Inside my gauge, I notice that the heads of the SCREWS that extend to terminals, are quite black and burned, and I wonder if this is normal, or the result of heating, here is the pic:

Anyway, out of the two gauges I hope to end up with a working one, that will also look mint.
Thanks for your help guys, will post results when done!

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 6:55 am

Google Bob's Speedometer - I had all my gauges checked, tuned and refaced. Not cheap but does good work.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 7:26 am

Hello Aris,
Good for you for trying to fix it.

Take a good look at your eBay gauge when you get it.
You might just want to clean it up and install it.

Do the screw heads look burned or possibly a little corrosion instead?

I've pulled a couple of the bezels off. It's hard to do without damage.
I used a wood stick to push the edges back in place with the gauge face down
on another piece of wood. Anything metallic and especially pliers with gripping
teeth will forever gouge the metal.

Good luck!
Brian

Post by **wesk** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 10:05 am

An ackowledged Stewart Warner gauge guru in the aviation industry is Paul Malkasian in Washington State.

http://www.fuelsenders.com/

arisLgr · Post by **arisLgr** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 1:23 pm

I don't expect the used gauge's clear face will be as immaculate as mine, so I will wait and see whenever it gets here, importing from overseas is time consuming so I've learned to be patient! .

I gave up removing the outer ring just by prying it without damaging it. The 10' lathe worked very well by facing off only it's crimped inner side, and I am confident that I can reuse it by 'gluing' it on with waterproof adhesive. If it goes well I will post pictures.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Sep 14, 2017 3:17 pm

Ah.
Well when the other gauge gets here check in
and we'll point you to a couple of spots
that tell you how to get the bezel off.

By the way, many of those lenses are plastic.

Once out, a good cleaning and then some elbow
grease, water, toothpaste and a soft towel
can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

You can also do that to the outer face only
with the gauge assembled, but you have to
be very judicious with the water.

Take care,