Hey guys, after 3 weeks of searching on the computer and multiple parts stores I am left at your mercy. For the life of me I cant find the proper br*** fitting to allow my old SW mechanical temp sender to thread into my stock 8ba head. The gauge came with what I believe to be an inverted hex nut. The inside (female) thread size is obviously ok but the male end is too big. All I can find locally to remedy this is a 1/2" female npt -> 3/8" male npt but it looks like **** because of the multiple fittings stacked up. I thought I found the proper fitting on speedways website but the thread sizes still don't seem right. I know there is something for this application because it has be done in the past countless times...or so I think. Thanks guys!
Aftermarket gauge suppliers sell little packs of adapters that include 3/8 pipe to the gauge adaptation, which is usually similar in size but with the needed seat for the bulb...try NAPA, tell them to look in their Stewart Warner book. You cannot use multiple adapters because they raise the bulb too far and you will get a very low temp reading no matter what is actually happening. What is diameter and actual thread count of the nut that is captive on the capillary? I'm at work and don't have any gauges I can measure...but what you want is something like this http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Temp-Gauge-Capillary-Tube-Adapter-3-8-NPT-to-5-8-18,7197.html from Speedway, and I'm pretty sure that SW capillary to 3/8 is a standard item and matches many other mechanical gauge companies.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stewart-War...Parts_Accessories&hash=item35cb535d6f&vxp=mtr http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATM-2263-Au...pt=Race_Car_Parts&hash=item4d07c775a7&vxp=mtr http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUTOMETER-2...Parts_Accessories&hash=item232a31c4d9&vxp=mtr 3/8 npt and i think the one bruce posted would work also, i think all mechanical temp gauges have the same thread size nut on the end.
Thanks Bruce and ***us. This is what I was after. I am new to this stuff and have learnt a lot about different types of threads. Thanks for taking the time to help. Derek
Early Ford temp threads have some of screwy variations to mess you up...but after '40 and most aftermarket, 3/8 pipe which matches up with MANY much later engines...so most aftermarket gauge kits include that fitting. I believe NAPA still has a separate Stewart Warner catalog, but it's getting hard to find a counter person who can log onto a "book."
I needed a fiting to put new temp gages in my flathead. Most gages are designed for bigger pipe size. I bought a I think 3/8 pipe by I think 1/2 brake fitting. I ran a drill down it to remove the inverted flare detail. The sender fit fine and has worked ever since.
I bought those adapters from my local Napa for my vintage SW gauges in my '32. I believe VDO is the manufacturer. You can see the RH head with the adapter hooked up to the gauge in this pic.
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