Well seeing as they are not calibrated. .........

But yes, they can be misleading.

I have spent some time trying to get to the bottom of this, the gauges themselves seem to be pretty reliable but there are other components the may cause readings that are not.... intuitive.

Both our Fuel and Temp gauges are powered through a voltage stabilizer. An electro mechanical device that may cause erroneous gauge readings. Also the sender units used read temps at the engine, may be inappropriate for their application.

The photo below shows the gauge readings of two differant sender units used on the same car on the same day.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019-02-10 11:52 AM by Tonyfixit.

I think I remember reading somewhere that the side valances were part of Triumphs "plan" for engine cooling. Maybe they were supposed to create a low pressure area behind the radiator thus drawing more air through it?

My theory on why this works (and it does) is the type of driving i do. Not flat out all day. ie coasting down a hill or other low throttle activity allows the coolant temp to come down to 160 vs 180 or 190. Thus when i throttle up it gives the car more time to heat back up. Yes while highway drive it does go above 160 and stays here.

I just know when i have the 160 in she runs better.

Anecdotal i know.

Bill

---

1980 Spitfire

Check it for vapor lock, and maybe install carburetor shields. Pour cold water on the fuel line when it stalls. If it starts right up it's the gas line.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2019-02-10 06:08 PM by Falkon.

I am running the stock yellow fan with no shrouding. I had my front license plate mounted to the plastic grill in front of the radiator originally but moved it below the bumper with a custom bracket as I was concerned it blocking air flow. Not sure if it made any difference but it made me feel better. The needle on my temp gauge usually swings between 1/2 and 3/4 depending on if I am driving or sitting in traffic.