Adjusting air pressure guage

[jkesselr]

Hey guys, I have an analog Matco tire inflator that is WAY off. I am curious if you guys know a way to adjust the gauge, or if it is even possible. The inflator looks like this one:

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/DTG5A/3-1-8-dial-tire-inflator/

 

[Bogie1632]

According to your link there is a replacement gauge available, listed under the Support tab. Probably your best bet for a quick, correct, easy fix.

Most gauges like that are not adjustable, usually because the case is crimped and can't come apart. Ones I've been able to adjust involved some delicate disassembly and tweaking the curved bourdon tube (Google air gauge internal parts and you'll see.what one looks like). Usually a very fine adjustment of straightening or shortening the tubes curve. That's the part that takes in the air and under pressure changes it's shape, causing movement of a mechanism that in turn moves the needle.

I'd first ask if it's still under warranty. If not, I'd ask if you have a known good gauge to check it against if you can even disassemble it for tweaking. If not, do yourself a solid and just purchase a new replacement gauge from Matco.

Good luck.

V/R
Bogie

 

[gungatim]

take it apart, push the tube so the gear is past the needle mating gear and readjust until it reads zero when released.

I bought 4 vacuum gauges from HF to sync carbs on my Goldwing, 2 of the 4 were a little off, and a 3rd was waaay off. I adjusted them all that way so they read zero at rest and they all were in sync after that. wasn't hard, just a little trial and error until you get the right tooth to mesh.

 

[engineer2]

Back in the day, if the needle was off zero, we would pull it off and put it back on at zero. That may not be possible with cheaper gauges. In my opinion, you are better off replacing the gauge with a new one. Even if you could tweak it, you need a known good gauge to compare it against.