VH SLE Cluster Issues

[Black_Bug]

Hey everyone, Im currently in the process of restoring a VH SLE 308 but Im having some problems with the cluster.

First Issue - Tacho is out, the car idles & gets to what sounds like about 1500-2000rpm before the tacho leaves 0. Any ideas as i have no clue?

Second Issue - The temp gauge isnt working. I have removed the cluster and behind the temp guage panel the fuse like wire that goes from one bolt, coils around the metal, then contacts the other bolt has split before contacting the second bolt. Can anyone tell me if the wire needs to coil around the metal bit so many times? can i undo a coil and make contact with that clean bit of metal or is it rooted?

Your help would be great as im stuck?

[VK SL 3800]

The temp gauge works by sending an amount of current through the coil heating that strip (bio metallic strip i think they are called) of metal making the gauge move as the strip heats and expands ever so slightly, the amount of current is governed via the temp sender in the engine which changes resistance to earth as the coolant temp increases, so at higher temperatures you have nearly no resistance to earth through the sender which allows more current to flow the the coil which then heats up the strip making the gauge move towards hot.

There is a certain resistance it should be across the two terminals, if its out of spec after you chuck it out or take to a gauge specialist for repairs. Also test your sender unit.

The Tacho is adjustable, sounds like it in need of a service but that is best left up the experts so also take that to your gauge shop.

Edit: reread question

You could probably get away with unwinding a the coil a turn or two but it would be easier to source a replacement as it wouldn't read the quite the same.

[Black_Bug]

Thanks mate sounds like your in the know with all this stuff. Would it be easier to wire up a modern temp gauge & tacho?

[VK SL 3800]

Well, depends whether you are keeping the car original or not. A new temp gauge and tacho are both pretty simple to wire in.

A second hand temp gauge wouldnt be hard to find either.

The Tacho will be a little expensive to fix but probably not as expensive as a new good quality tacho.

Either way its not real difficult to fix the problem.

[Black_Bug]

Not too fussed about how origional it is. Dont think they came stock with a ford 9" diff lol. Would rather keep costs down so might get new ones.

[vkberlina]

As for guage calibrations send them to Justcommodores member Speedotom, Tom recently did a job for my on fixing a speedo gear, im very happy with his work, price was excellent, reasonably turn around time about 1 week away from me including postage, he knows his stuff.

Tom will prob be able to advise of the temp guage, may be able to repair or help source a replacement

cheers
Scott

[Black_Bug]

just emailed him thanks mate.

Can anyone also tell me how easy is it to hook up a vacuum gauge as i am looking at another cluster for $50. But instead of a tacho it has a vacuum gauge. Anyone know how or where to hook this up too???

[magnetvh]

Whr u located. I got a spare sle V8 cluster out a VH.

[Black_Bug]

Im located in Clare, South Australia. Bit far to drive to Brookdale in WA thought lol

[VK SL 3800]

Vacuum gauge is extremely simple, it has 1 vac line connected to the intake manifold, should fit direct in place of the tacho if its the same as a VK, and i dare say it will be.

[magnetvh]

Haha yeah take ya a while. I could send it if ya want to buy it. Cheap!!

[Black_Bug]

how many kms on it?