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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 131
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 131 |
I am making a 32 Chevy racer that needs the temp gauge lengthened because the dash is farther away from the engine. I will add two feet to the tube. To avoid two solder points I am asking if I can just piece in the next larger size tube (.125 OD x .60 ID) by soldering the smaller original tube (.072" OD x ?? ID) inside the two foot extension? I will bore out the ID of the larger tube to accept the .072 OD of the original tube. I am concerned that I am adding too much volume to the total tube. I expect I will need to recalibrate the gauge no mater what diameter I add in, but am concerned the ether in the bulb will not expand enough. If the larger tube is too large, I can do the proven splice with the original size tubing. Has anyone done this? Thanks, Norm
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863 |
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
I have never done the splicing but it should not be a problem. Fill the bulb ~ 2/3 full of ether, cool with acetone and dry ice to keep the ether from evaporating make the splice and check with soap bubbles for leaks when the bulb warms. I will not be necessary to recalibrate the gauge. It is a pressure gauge and changes based on the vapor pressure of the di-ethyl ether that is factory calibrated to correspond to temperatures.
Handling di-ethyl ether is not for the uninformed or untrained. It should only be handled by those knowledgeable and trained.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 131
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 131 |
The process worked! My only modification was to freeze the bulb in about a cup of water instead of the salt water slurry. Turns out my freezer brought the temp down to -2 deg F, but the slurry was +5 degrees. I spliced in 32" of capilary tube. The gauge read the same after as before the addition + -.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,906 Likes: 8
Former ChatMaster ChatMaster - 5,000
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Former ChatMaster ChatMaster - 5,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,906 Likes: 8 |
Wow... I've always wanted to do that, but didn't have the guts. I'm glad that it worked for you. Can I send you another one to fix? ha ha... That could be the start of a good business for ya! Thanks for sharing your results. We all like to live vicariously through other people's efforts!!!!!!  
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