1939 temp indicator

[highbeams]

1939 temp indicator

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by highbeams

1939 temp indicator

[ford38v8]

High beams, as you just posted a photo with no text, I’ll comment on the photo itself. The gauge shows that the engine is off, but had been running perhaps half an hour previous to the photo. Your temp gauge is in good working condition, very accurate as to actual engine temp, and is often ruined by incompetent mechanics while removing an engine, by simply cutting the line at the head. The fluid in these units is no longer available due to EPA rules, meaning that a restoration service must use an inferior fluid, which tends to fade to clear over time. Should you find one at a swap meet, check to see that the fluid is visible in the glass, and will rise just a bit in the glass if the bulb is submerged in a hot cup of coffee. If available, a pot of boiling water will show the full operating temp on the glass tube. Incorrect storage of a unit may cause air bubbles in the line, which can usually be removed with centrifugal
force. You’ll see a scribe mark on the glass tube, which indicates the boiling point of water at 212, that scribe position to be adjusted within the gauge housing to match the indicated 212 on the face of the gauge.

[jstrez5]

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Originally Posted by ford38v8

High beams, as you just posted a photo with no text, I’ll comment on the photo itself. The gauge shows that the engine is off, but had been running perhaps half an hour previous to the photo. Your temp gauge is in good working condition, very accurate as to actual engine temp, and is often ruined by incompetent mechanics while removing an engine, by simply cutting the line at the head. The fluid in these units is no longer available due to EPA rules, meaning that a restoration service must use an inferior fluid, which tends to fade to clear over time. Should you find one at a swap meet, check to see that the fluid is visible in the glass, and will rise just a bit in the glass if the bulb is submerged in a hot cup of coffee. If available, a pot of boiling water will show the full operating temp on the glass tube. Incorrect storage of a unit may cause air bubbles in the line, which can usually be removed with centrifugal
force. You’ll see a scribe mark on the glass tube, which indicates the boiling point of water at 212, that scribe position to be adjusted within the gauge housing to match the indicated 212 on the face of the gauge.

What fluid did they originally use and what did they transition to in the restored units?