Water Temp gauge - Full sweep vs partial sweep?

[Nobody]

Hi all, I know there are tons of gauges on peoples' cars. I have been trying to decide between the full sweep mech. and the electric partial sweep. Is one better than another?

 

[jerryD]

the full sweep will just have more lines so you can read the temps better, rather than guessing is it at 184*? basically look at a mech gauge, and an elec, there you will see the difference. autometer does make elec gauges that are full sweep. just have to look for em.

 

[89MustangGX]

I think for most purposes the 1/2 sweep would be fine. I'm not sure how much more it helps to know you car is running at 192 degrees instead of 185 vs knowing its a little warmer than it normally is but it's not overheating.

 

[JRPony]

autometer does make elec gauges that are full sweep. just have to look for em.

True, but they are super expensive when compared to the partial sweep gauges. IIRC, the full sweeps are like $200 and the partial sweeps are around $60.

 

[HISSIN50]

You know what I think - full sweep mechanical is my preference.

 

[BaXTeR3221]

Isnt it a bad idea to run mechanical full sweeps inside the car?

 

[cjman15]

a partial sweep meaning the needle goes from \ to /?

 

[HISSIN50]

Isnt it a bad idea to run mechanical full sweeps inside the car?

You are thinking of mechanical oil pressure gauges I think, which carry oil into the car and to the gauge. Water temp gauges dont. I have run both and now prefer elec oil pressure gauges (when mounted in pillars, etc) and mech water temp, no matter what.

 

[HISSIN50]

a partial sweep meaning the needle goes from \ to /?

yeah, like 90-120* (like you listed) vs like 270* for mech gauges. I dont like elec temp gauges because if the sender is slightly out of calibration, it can freak you out or give you a false sense of confidence. Just me though.

 

[cjman15]

I'm looking to buy a water temp and oil pressure to replace my stock ones along with a a-pillar pod... what do you guys recommend i get? electrical or mech? I'm definately going autometer... and I wouldn't mind the partial sweep, I just want something that is accurate and sure in comparison to the stock gauges

 

[HISSIN50]

I'm looking to buy a water temp and oil pressure to replace my stock ones along with a a-pillar pod... what do you guys recommend i get? electrical or mech? I'm definately going autometer... and I wouldn't mind the partial sweep, I just want something that is accurate and sure in comparison to the stock gauges

My personal way to go lately has been mech temp and electrical oil pressure (I know it probably disgusts most folks, but I dont mind mixing mech and elec gauges - them having different sweeps is no biggie since there is usually a voltmeter on the pod too, which obviously has a narrow sweep anyhow).

Just my two. Good luck.

 

[racerraj]

I agree with Hissin, I like the mech temp, I trust it a little more, plus I can so the temp even with no power. If the Motor has no power, I already know what the Oil Pressure is. And the Electric Oil is easier. I also like the Full Sweep. If I put gauges in, then I want to know the readings as accurately as I can, even if it doesn't matter by a few degrees.

 

[04sleeper]

I prefer the mechanical water and oil gauges. I just opt for the copper tubing instead of the plastic tubing that comes with the oil pressure gauge.
I also like knowing the temp without having to have any power on to read it.

I have been running these this way for over 12 years now and have never had a problem with them.

 

[cjman15]

So mech full-sweep is better to go with all together? which is easier to install?

 

[89MustangGX]

So mech full-sweep is better to go with all together? which is easier to install?

Full sweep will give you a more accurate reading -- because you will be able to read it easier.

Electric is easier to install.

AutoMeter now makes electric full-sweep gauges in several applications as well.

 

[Kerpal]

I think that the full sweep is a lot easier to read quickly. You can just glance at it while driving and see what the gauge reads without taking your eyes off the road. For me that makes it worthwhile to go with a mechanical even if the install is a bit more involved.

I happen to have a 2 1/6" full sweep mechanical water temp gauge (Auto Meter Ultra Lite) I need to sell... decided to go with a gauge cage instead of an A pillar mount. So if anyone is looking to get one, I'll sell it cheap or trade for the 2 5/8" version. Just thought I'd mention that...