fintail cluster problemz

[vox_incognita]

folks,
is it true that the water temp sender cable is NOT electrical, but an alcohol filled tube?? Then what could be the problem with my non-working cluster? how should I procede-change the whole sensor-cable-cluster unit?? Has anyone ever replaced the original with "normal" electrical(mechanical ,whatever..)VDO ???
I wonder what the oil pressure cable be-an oil filled tube???
Joshol,thankx for the previous (profound) answer!!!
Vengerov, w110 200D '67

[Mark DiSilvestro]

The temp guage is mechanical and uses a thin capillary tube connected to a bulb filled with ether, mounted into the cylinder head. Usually the tube gets broken or twisted off. The standard repair is to replace the temp guage, tube and bulb assembly. Possibly, your broken original could be sent off to VDO for repair. Aftermarket mechanical temp guages designed to be mounted under the dash, are availible, ranging from 'Made in China' from Walmart for under $20 to a VDO unit for about $80.

If you're a really skilled mechanic you might be able to adapt one of these into your instrument cluster. Same goes for retro- fitting an electric temp guage. There's another possibility, if your tube is broken but your guage mechanisim is otherwise OK. Repair your original VDO guage with a new bulb and tube, scavenged off one of the above mentioned aftermarket mechanical temp guages. Read the procedure at this Vintage Plymouth Site -

http://www.ply33.com

Click on Repair, then click on Temp Guage.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[vox_incognita]

wow,great info, Mark,thanks!
I think I`ll try the original MB unit,hope they still have some at reasonable prices. If not-a VDO Series 1 under the dash