800 Case Instruments

[rickdude]

Ive been working on reviving an 800 case diesel, and have noted several gauges in the cluster not working. My coolant temp gauge has a broken probe at the fitting on the engine side .Is it possible to replace the sending unit, or is it all one piece into the cluster? Im pretty sure the tach drive cable is also broken, the needle only twitches while running, is it replaceable or is this cluster toast? Other than that the gas gauge/ ammeter/ oil psi all work. Not sure about the speedometer though.
Thanks
Richard

 

[RJKeith]

There is/was a guy in Maryland that rebuilt the cluster gauges. Never used him but understand he did an excellent job. I also do not have his number, but you could search this forum or perhaps someone would be nice enough to to post it for you.

Also Connor9988 used a metal panel to mount more traditional gauges. So options are available, good luck.

 

[PARod]

You will have to replace the temperature gauge in the cluster and cable all the way to the engine as one unit. The most knowledgeable fellow who works on the clusters is Joe DeMaio in Vineland NJ (856) 297-0644. Its not inexpensive but Joe does a beautiful job.

 

[Tgrasher]

I have rebuilt three clusters with varying success. It takes a lot of patience and be advised the speedometer and tachometer have small springs that can be damaged easily. If the cluster has not been invaded by insects, light oil and new cables often remedy them. I have had Joe Demaio restore one gauge cluster and it looks brand new.

 

[wore out]

With care and patience it's even possible to repair the temperature gauge.

https://www.ply33.com/Repair/tempgauge

.

 

[rickdude]

Thats a really cool idea, if I get some spare time Id like to try that.

 

[rickdude]

TG
Where did you find replacement cables for the tach and speedo? A while ago I found a link where someone had used the guts out of a specific Stewart Warner coolant temp gauge to repair the one in the cluster, but I cant seem to locate it again, has anyone got a link to that thread?

 

[Tgrasher]

If your sheaths are in decent shape, the inner cable can be made from universal kits I've gotten from John Saeli, 315-585-9826. New ones can be pricey. I have been able to scavenge some from scrap yards. The temperature gauge can be rebuilt by using one with the same sweep, taking the case off of it, and using the Case gauge face plate under the needle.

 

[kenbob]

I did this on my 351 and it worked out great. Not as challenging as it appears.

 

[kenbob]

If you try to repair your temp gauge, here is how I did it: Buy 2 gauges of the type with the copper tubing (not those with the coil around it. One needs to be the right size to fit into the block of the tractor. If you have a find caliper you don't need 2 gauges. I didn't so I cut the line of one in half, only so I can determine the size of splice I need. Make a splice out of copper tubing with one end fitting into the tube on your old gauge. The other end fitting onto the tube with the new bulb. Once you have that piece made, you can take the other new gauge and stick it in dry ice and when it is good and cold, cut and splice as in the post by Old. Use a soldering iron and not a torch.

 

[wore out]

https://mossmotoring.com/lab-coat-lessons/

MORE info on temp gauge repair.