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 Posted: Jul 21, 2020 08:30AM
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Sorry Doug, I may have got that from a retailer site, there should still be enough info posted here to see the difference in the gauge types and how to get it working again.   I will leave it to you sir.

 Posted: Jul 21, 2020 07:25AM
 Edited:  Jul 21, 2020 01:33PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by onetim
VDO calls them mechanical if it’s a pointer, as opposed to a digital readout.

I did not see the term "mechanical" used the way you described on the VDO website.  See the link below.  The bourdon tube gauges are listed as either "mechanical" or "capillary" tube while the electrical gauges typically mention a sender.
https://www.vdo-gauges.com/instruments-displays-and-clusters/by-type/water-temperature.html

EDIT:  Don't apologize!  I was just curious about where you found the analog electrical gauges listed as "mechanical".

Doug L.
 Posted: Jul 20, 2020 12:05PM
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VDO calls them mechanical if it’s a pointer, as opposed to a digital readout.

 Posted: Jul 20, 2020 11:45AM
 Edited:  Jul 20, 2020 11:56AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MisterCinders
Well, the gauge is in situ now. If I pull it out, I'll snap a picture. The gauge came with the car, and it worked before. The back of the guage is pristine with only the sensor wire coming from the block and a hole for the light. No blades, screws or other connections.
MisterCinders, Your posts suggest that you have a mechanical temperature gauge, not electrical.  Which of the two pictures below looks most like the sending unit mounted in your car's cylinder head?  



or



Doug L.
 Posted: Jul 20, 2020 09:20AM
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If you use the Googler and search VDO temp gauge, you will see there are 2 basic types, one capillary wax bulb type which has an non removable braided line permanently attached to the gauge and sender. There is also a 12 volt type that uses a sending unit wired to the gauge as shown. These gauges are not very expensive, but the 12 volt type does not come with the sending unit and it must usually be purchased separately.

 Posted: Jul 20, 2020 08:15AM
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Well, the gauge is in situ now. If I pull it out, I'll snap a picture.

The gauge came with the car, and it worked before.

The back of the guage is pristine with only the sensor wire coming from the block and a hole for the light. No blades, screws or other connections.

 Posted: Jul 19, 2020 11:22AM
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GB

As an aftermarket gauge, it may be incompatible with a Mini sender and wiring loom - it's probably designed for a modern vehicle.

With a Smiths (other makes are available) gauge the light green 10V feed from the voltage regulator goes to earth in the block through the gauge and the sender - the sender is just a temperature controlled variable resistor, and the gauge is essentially a voltmeter.

 

A picture of the back of your gauge (or even a link to one on sale) would be invaluable for helping.

 Posted: Jul 17, 2020 11:42AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MisterCinders
It's a VDO temp gauge. It might actually be mechanical and working, but I won't know until I get the engine running warm enough to trigger it. Haven't done more than start/idle as I finalize the resto.

I started a lengthy response and then decided I was getting ahead of myself.

Please go back and review Willie's question about what the sending units and back of the gauges look like.  If you will post pictures of the back of the gauges and their sending units it will help us get you the correct answer.

Doug L.
 Posted: Jul 17, 2020 11:27AM
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Yeah, but my gauge has no bleed or screws for connection.

 Posted: Jul 17, 2020 06:37AM
 Edited:  Jul 17, 2020 06:40AM
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I just saw this on another site for the stock electric gauges. There is a brass two blade to screw terminal on one gauge, then a jumper wire to  a single blade to screw terminal. Their discussion was which went where from the factory. Functionally it does not matter.

 Posted: Jul 16, 2020 07:34PM
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It's a VDO temp gauge. It might actually be mechanical and working, but I won't know until I get the engine running warm enough to trigger it. Haven't done more than start/idle as I finalize the resto.

 Posted: Jul 16, 2020 07:26PM
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Nope. It's got a feed to the sender unit and a slot for a light bulb holders. Nothing else.

 Posted: Jul 16, 2020 06:43PM
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By chance does your temp gauge have a metal tube coming out of it?

"How can anything bigger be mini?"

 Posted: Jul 16, 2020 03:05PM
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I have a center cluster dash. The temp and oil pressure gauges are connected to their respective senders. The diagram shows a green wire to the temp gauge from the voltage regulator, but the gauge has no blade or other point for connection. How do you wire it?