accessing water temp gauge (Smiths) for replacement

[66gtk]

While driving the Cobra the other night my SMITHS water temp gauge suddenly gave up the ghost with only 2700 miles. It's a mechanical gauge and I've been tapping it, and have looked for kinks and wiggled it in the engine compartment. It won't go past 60 degrees celsius, but I have confirmed the thermostat is working correctly. I've read that these SMITHS gauges are prone to early failure. I can get a new unit, but I'm concerned with being able to install it. Does anybody have a good method on how to access it and what must be removed in order to do so? Not sure if removing a seat will help as this gauge is right in the top center of the cluster being the street layout. Any help or advice would be useful as I haven't messed with a dash or instrumentation in a Cobra before.

[jwoodard]

I replaced a defective one in my Superformance some years back, and here is what I did.
Removing the drivers seat is optional, I didn't and don't think it necessary. Remove the steering wheel and then remove the speedometer. With the speedo out you can reach in behind the dash to remove the water temp gauge from the dash. Then remove the sensor from the intake manifold and remove the gauge and attached tubing and sensor from the vehicle. You kind of have to work with it to get it out. To install, just reverse the process, being very careful not to get any crimps/kinks in the tubing.
You might want to test the new gauge out before installing. I did by boiling water on the stove and putting the sensor bulb into it. Better to know before you go through all the work to re-install, just saying.
If you haven't removed any of the gauges yet, they are held in place with two little knurled nobs that secure a bracket against the rear of the dash. Stick your hands up under the dash to the speedo and feel for those little knobs, or use a mirror to look up there to see them.

[DWRAT]

Here's a good article that may be helpful on your install. http://craigscobras.com/tips/tempsensor/index.htm

[66gtk]

Thanks guys. Keep the tips coming!

[jhv48]

Contact Nisonger, they had Smith's gauges make an electronic water temp gauge that has the same face plate as your original. Easy three wire setup and never needs replacing.

I replaced my mechanical Smith's oil temp gauge with the electric oil temp gauge and it looks and works perfectly.

[xb-60]

If you'll excuse an off-topic comment, that combination of deep red with black and cream interior, and roadster body is a knockout.
No side pipes, no stripes, street dash....how refreshing!
Cheers,
Glen

[66gtk]

Thanks Glen!

[mickmate]

I think you'll find the capillary tube has a couple of p clamps holding it in place. The hole through the firewall was just big enough to get the nut through and I had to disconnect and pull a few wires that were blocking the hole. The wire wrapped around them to protect them wants to catch on every wind. A second pair of hands with one feeding and one fishing helps a lot. Route it as it was if it makes sense to you and look for and/or put in a vibration loop to allow engine movement.