Temperature gauge mods?

[wdchuck]

Just wondering...I cant use the old 9" temperature gauge on the new evaporator- it needs a 6 inch apparently. Can I cut the 9" down, or would that cause any damage so it wont work properly?

[happy thoughts]

If it's a dial gauge bi-metal thermometer my guess is that it probably can't be cut. This picture will help explain why.

9065

These work through the use of two different metals coiled together that expand at different rates. Temp changes cause the shaft to rotate and register as a temp. By cutting you'll be removing a good deal of the coil and also the anchor point needed to rotate the shaft. I think you'll be better off buying a thermometer that fits.

[Spanielslovesappin]

You can't cut it.

Just add a 3" pipe nipple with pipe coupling on the other end to to your pan thus moving the thermometer ~ 3 inches out of the pan...

Use 304SS pipe fitting BUT black pipe would work temporarily till you can get SS.

[wdchuck]

I thought that would be the case- guess I'll just suck it up and buy a new one...Thanks for the responses!