Mechanical vs. Electric Gauges
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 423
From:
Mechanical vs. Electric Gauges
I'm looking at Autometer Water Pressure Gauges, cannot decide between mechanical and electrical...
Is one more accurate than the other?
Do mechanical gauges actually push a small amount of fluid to the back of the gauge? (and if yes, how does it not slightly cool before reaching the gauge?)
Thanks for educating this noob
Is one more accurate than the other?
Do mechanical gauges actually push a small amount of fluid to the back of the gauge? (and if yes, how does it not slightly cool before reaching the gauge?)
Thanks for educating this noob
6th Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,212
From: Hills of California
RE: Mechanical vs. Electric Gauges
Some may disagree but....
I think...
If you want to measure a pressure then Mechanical is without a doubt the best choice for real time accurate measurments (and yes fluid is inside the gauge)
If you want to measure a temperature, or a volume or course a voltage electrical will probably work better and install cleaner.
-Gun
I think...
If you want to measure a pressure then Mechanical is without a doubt the best choice for real time accurate measurments (and yes fluid is inside the gauge)
If you want to measure a temperature, or a volume or course a voltage electrical will probably work better and install cleaner.
-Gun
6th Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,162
From:
RE: Mechanical vs. Electric Gauges
Most say mechanical read more true but i alway used electrical for one reason what if that line for your oil gauge leaks you get oil all over your carpet or even worse hot oil on your legs.
6th Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,896
From: Elk Grove, CA
RE: Mechanical vs. Electric Gauges
Mechanical temp gauges do not run coolant to the gauge. They're a giant thermometer - they have a temp sender bulb threaded into the coolant and connected to the gauge by a hollow tube filled with a fluid that expands at a constant, known rate (ie. mercury). They're very accurate, usually much more so than electrical gauges. I have one in my 67fb and I like it. The downside is that you can't alter the length of the tube, and it can be difficult to route it.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 213
From: Unstable
RE: Mechanical vs. Electric Gauges
ORIGINAL: Starfury
They're very accurate, usually much more so than electrical gauges.
They're very accurate, usually much more so than electrical gauges.
I used to design detection systems for manufacturers and mining companies. Electrical gauges are no slower
than mechanical, in fact I would say it’s the opposite, unless the gauges are cheap. Personally,
I like the electrical gauges as the wiring is easy to route. Also as an engineer I can tie the signals
into an alarm panel so if anything is out of whack, I don't miss it. Another point isif a gauge needs replacing
there are no leak issues ( oil pressure ). I would stay away from any gauge that uses mercury,
it's toxic and evaporates, so you could be inhaling the stuff each time you drive the car, were it to leak.
But yes, they both do the job, and it's really a matter or personal preference.
Jav
4th Gear Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,494
From:
RE: Mechanical vs. Electric Gauges
ORIGINAL: JapanGT
And thats why they use them on the Space Shuttle right...................
I used to design detection systems for manufacturers and mining companies. Electrical gauges are no slower
than mechanical, in fact I would say it’s the opposite, unless the gauges are cheap. Personally,
I like the electrical gauges as the wiring is easy to route. Also as an engineer I can tie the signals
into an alarm panel so if anything is out of whack, I don't miss it. Another point isif a gauge needs replacing
there are no leak issues ( oil pressure ). I would stay away from any gauge that uses mercury,
it's toxic and evaporates, so you could be inhaling the stuff each time you drive the car, were it to leak.
But yes, they both do the job, and it's really a matter or personal preference.
Jav
ORIGINAL: Starfury
They're very accurate, usually much more so than electrical gauges.
They're very accurate, usually much more so than electrical gauges.
I used to design detection systems for manufacturers and mining companies. Electrical gauges are no slower
than mechanical, in fact I would say it’s the opposite, unless the gauges are cheap. Personally,
I like the electrical gauges as the wiring is easy to route. Also as an engineer I can tie the signals
into an alarm panel so if anything is out of whack, I don't miss it. Another point isif a gauge needs replacing
there are no leak issues ( oil pressure ). I would stay away from any gauge that uses mercury,
it's toxic and evaporates, so you could be inhaling the stuff each time you drive the car, were it to leak.
But yes, they both do the job, and it's really a matter or personal preference.
Jav