Can this gauge be saved? How?

[Buzz Killington]

I am restoring a '68 Thunderbird and it has the original gauges. They have seen better days but are unique to the boat (except this one, but it's original) so I want to keep them all.

When I removed it, the line was plugged with what looked like silt, right into the gauge. I rinsed it out but as you can see it reads high not hooked to anything.

The trim is "bent" around the lip of the gauge, so I can't easily open it. Any suggestions on solvents/baths/etc. that might free up the innards? I'm not worried about ruining it, because my only other option at this point is to toss it.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[fishin1789]

Re: Can this gauge be saved? How?

If it was mine, I would rinse it with some sort of pressurized cleaner, ie:WD40. Since you can't use it like it is, better off trying to put some slight pressure into it with a cleaner and hope that it knocks the dirt out! Good luck!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Can this gauge be saved? How?

Use a straight pin to probe the pressure hole and loosen any debris. Suck it out with a vacuum cleaner. Avoid appying too much pressure as it will damage the movement. I suspect the gauge is toast however as it should be reading "0". Anything you squirt into the pressure fitting will not get to the workings since the pressure is applied to a sealed bourdon tube that unwinds under pressure. That unwinding works the needle. The only way to see the movement is remove the bezel (thus bending it and breaking the seal).

 

[Buzz Killington]

Re: Can this gauge be saved? How?

Thanks for the responses. I will hope for the best but expect the worst. This gauge appears to be unobtanium.