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36coupe · 10-10-2022, 09:59 AM

I am assuming the temperature probe for a mechanical gauge needs to seat in the head and the nut holds the probe tight to the seat. I have 81 a heads and there is no where for the probe to seat. I suspect it rusted away or a electric probe was installed at one point.
I have SW aftermarket gauges that I wanted to install in each head.
Not sure of any fixes that might work
Tap the hole to 3/8npt and solder the probe to a bronze bushing??
Not sure what my options are.

deuce lover · 10-10-2022, 11:10 AM

You need the adapter to NPT for the nut of the probe. John Wolf & Co in OH who restores gauges sells those. Maybe NAPA has them.

marko39 · 10-10-2022, 11:14 AM

There should be a brass adapter that threads into head to accept temp probe. Modern gauges come with a few different ones to fit different engines. That’s where I got mine after cracking the original by over tightening.

deuce lover · 10-10-2022, 11:19 AM

I googled VDO temp gauge adapters:
Adapter for Mechanical Temp. Gauge Probe 5/8-18UNF to 3/8 18NPTF

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Download all product images Buy Now Buy Local Adapter for Mechanical Temp. Gauge Probe 5/8-18UNF to 3/8 18NPTF

Additional Information

Catalog # 180 067

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How-to videos:
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Off-highway Catalog View Catalog →

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36coupe · 10-11-2022, 08:03 AM

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Thanks. Going to check NAPA today and see if they have any.

10-10-2022, 09:59 AM	#1
36coupe Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Eastcoast Posts: 867	Temperature probe mechanical gauge I am assuming the temperature probe for a mechanical gauge needs to seat in the head and the nut holds the probe tight to the seat. I have 81 a heads and there is no where for the probe to seat. I suspect it rusted away or a electric probe was installed at one point. I have SW aftermarket gauges that I wanted to install in each head. Not sure of any fixes that might work Tap the hole to 3/8npt and solder the probe to a bronze bushing?? Not sure what my options are.

10-10-2022, 11:10 AM	#2
deuce lover Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern France Posts: 5,332	Re: Temperature probe mechanical gauge You need the adapter to NPT for the nut of the probe. John Wolf & Co in OH who restores gauges sells those. Maybe NAPA has them.

10-10-2022, 11:14 AM	#3
marko39 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: harpursville ny Posts: 1,057	Re: Temperature probe mechanical gauge There should be a brass adapter that threads into head to accept temp probe. Modern gauges come with a few different ones to fit different engines. That’s where I got mine after cracking the original by over tightening.

10-10-2022, 11:19 AM	#4
deuce lover Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern France Posts: 5,332	Re: Temperature probe mechanical gauge I googled VDO temp gauge adapters: Adapter for Mechanical Temp. Gauge Probe 5/8-18UNF to 3/8 18NPTF More Views Download all product images Buy Now Buy Local Adapter for Mechanical Temp. Gauge Probe 5/8-18UNF to 3/8 18NPTF Additional Information Description Additional Information Catalog # 180 067 Technical Document search Search for technical documents by product number. Search Now Find a VDO authorized distributor: Search → How-to videos: Instruments & Accessories Go to YouTube → Off-highway Catalog View Catalog → © Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. 2020 VDO - A Trademark of the Continental Corporation Imprint Privacy Policy Terms of Use Site Map Search Terms Advanced Search Contact Us

10-11-2022, 08:03 AM	#5
36coupe Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Eastcoast Posts: 867	Re: Temperature probe mechanical gauge Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks. Going to check NAPA today and see if they have any.