Thread: Temperature Guage- Mechanical or Electrical?

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Is one better quality (better/true) reading over the other?

It used to be the electrical gauges had a short sweep (90*) and mechanical had full sweep (270*=more precise) but I've seen some full sweep electrical gauges in the catalogs nowadays. I would opt for mechanical but keep in mind they are more difficult to deal with snaking the sensor without disconnecting the line since they are full of fluid and can't be taken off without ruining the gauge... electrical are easier since you can run wire wherever you want.

two cents,

-Chris

It seems like all temp gauges read too high. I test mine before installing them and have found that when you suspend the sender in a pot of boiling water, the gauge will read about 220-225, when you know it can't possibly be more than 210-212.

I like to use electric oil and temp gauges because If (when) they are inaccurate, I can usually calibrate them with an inline resistor. With a mechanical gauge, I would have to send it out to be recalibrated, or just live with the inaccuracy.

Also, like Chris said, a wire is much easier to deal with than a capillary tube.

I just installed electric for both oil and temperature. I asked the same question and Classic Instrument's reply was the electric is better, cleaner and just as accurate. New cars haven't had mechanical instruments for many years.

For what it's worth.