MTFCA Forum

Williamson’s instruments inc. just sent me the original MotoMeter water temp gauge I sent them a few months back because they can no longer get the gas needed to fix it. It is a lovely gauge but does not work. If Williamson’s can’t do it I am not sure who can.

What substance is used?

Bummer - I was under the impression it was like ether ?

You might be able to replace the end yourself. What I recall reading was to chill (dry ice or liquid nitrogen maybe) the bulb end of the donner part from another temp gauge, so the gas pulls back into the bulb part. Cut the line and using a sleeve solder the two tubes together.
While can't tell you if would give 100% accurate results, it could work.

Reno Speedster wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 18, 2025 9:44 pm

It is a lovely gauge but does not work.

Thought you meant a Motometer radiator cap mount style thermometer.

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 19, 2025 8:59 am

What substance is used?

Red liquid is a colored alcohol. Don’t know the exact composition. Perhaps a Boyce patent document. (Radiator neck mounted MotoMeter.)

MotoMeter remote steering column mount temperature gauge does work off a gas. This is why a picture is worth a “thousand words” to minimize confusion over terminology.

OP is probably referring to one like this below.

There are several types of alcohol and as far as I know, none are banned as of yet. Carbon tertrachloride is now banned or highly restricted.

If Williamson's is located in California, try an instrument shop that is located elsewhere. Some substances are banned in California, but available elsewhere.

It's not a motometer, Dan. Williamson's is in Arkansas.

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 19, 2025 1:07 pm

It's not a motometer, Dan. Williamson's is in Arkansas.

That is what I am thinking. One of the type that mounts in the car on the steering column.

Reno Speedster wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 18, 2025 9:44 pm

Williamson’s instruments inc. just sent me the original MotoMeter water temp gauge I sent them a few months back because they can no longer get the gas needed to fix it. It is a lovely gauge but does not work. If Williamson’s can’t do it I am not sure who can.

A picture of your MotoMeter would help understand your issue. The expectation is that it is a radiator cap mount as opposed to a dash mounted.
The dash mount is a Model S also called a "Red Ball". I don't see the radiator cap mount use gas but the dash/steering mount would
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Might be cheaper to buy a repro APCO if dash mount

"Water temperature gauge" is just what it says - he didn't state "motometer".

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 19, 2025 3:06 pm

"Water temperature gauge" is just what it says - he didn't state "motometer".

But he did.

Sort of Frank - "Motometer" is a brand name !