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Gauges pinning.
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2018 7:48 pm
by 1970 cortina GT
So I thought I had cured my fuel gauge going to full issue. I was wrong, not only that but my temp and oil pressure gauges also go to max. The fuel gauge goes to 3/4 when ignition is on and to full when it’s running. The oil pressure stays at zero and goes to full when it’s running. The temp goes to full with the ignition on. Someone suggested the voltage stabilizer, any thoughts? Is there a way to test it? Also if it is the voltage stabilizer is the same one used on a MK2?
Thanks
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2018 9:11 pm
by peteleo
Maybe the v/stab which produces a 5 volt pulsating square wave for the fuel, temp, oil gauges on the MK1. I believe the MK2 GT uses the same v/stab.
You can check the output by attaching 12 volts on the ign side of the v/stab and a ground on the mounting plate of the v/stab. Connect a volt meter to the opposite terminal and ground. You should see the meter swing from 0-5 volts pulsating. If it stays on 12 volts then v/stab is faulty. I have good used v/stab if needed.
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2018 9:43 pm
by 1970 cortina GT
Thanks Pete, I’ll check tomorrow.
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2018 12:28 pm
by 1970 cortina GT
Ok so when testing as you suggest, it does pulse but goes up to 9 and ten volts intermittently, also my spare out of a Mk2 does exactly the same. Is this normal?
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2018 7:45 pm
by peteleo
Should be 0-5v. Higher voltage will cause the 3 meters to wonder to the right of a correct reading on the MK1 GT. Some how a higher voltage doesn't seem to effect the 2 meters on the MK2 GT. I would still replace it after +45 yrs.
Cortina MK1 club in England sells digital voltage stabilizers for ~ 10 pds.
I have used ones but are not pulsating 0-5v consistently. Do have one new original EnFo v/stab.
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2018 8:07 pm
by 1970 cortina GT
I see that the club back home has two stabilizers, positive earth and negative earth, so should I have changed it when I converted the car? What is the one you have there Pete and what do you want for it. I have another relative visiting next month from the UK.Thanks.
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2018 8:29 pm
by peteleo
Digital v/stab are polarity sensitive. The original v/stab can be used positive or negative grd.
As you are having a relative coming over, i would get the neg digital v/stab - more reliable.
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2018 8:35 pm
by 1970 cortina GT
Thanks Pete, appreciate your advice.
Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 12:41 pm
by 1970 cortina GT
Ok so new voltage stabilizer and still the three gauges all go to maximum straight away. I even replaced the temperature sender with another new one. Any ideas anyone?
Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 3:15 pm
by peteleo
Is the v/stab attached to the back of the speedometer ? There should be a ground wire connected to the speedo. v/stab needs to be grounded.
Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 8:34 pm
by 1970 cortina GT
Hmmm, good question, the old one was screwed to the speedo but the new one was a different style, I’ll have to take the speedo out again and check. Thanks for the tip.
Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 9:12 pm
by 1970 cortina GT
You were on the right track Pete, turned out to be a grounding issue. I also didn’t realize, until tonight, that the speedo itself appears to be grounded via the little tabs on the two bulb holders on the back of the speedo. Should now be ready for its first car show at the Brits by the Bess in downtown Saskatoon, guess I’ll slot the old girl in between the 24 MG’s and 16 TR6’s, feel free to join me anyone.

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:02 pm
by peteleo
Lee,
Good to hear that solved the problem.
Enjoy the Brits by the Bess show. Maybe post a couple of photos.
Pete
Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 6:31 am
by BigFred
1970 cortina GT wrote: guess I’ll slot the old girl in between the 24 MG’s and 16 TR6’s
Classic comment!

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 8:25 am
by Langlia
Nice licence plate
