Fluid Filled Gauges - Lets Dicuss

[spotco2]

When I was a mechanic I purchased and used a very expensive set of fluid filled gauges for working on transmissions and hydraulic systems. Since then they have just sat in one of my boxes.

Last year, I was heartbroken when I noticed that one of them had the cap pop off and leaked out in the drawer. Yesterday I saw a puddle under the box and another has popped it's cap and leaked.

Can these be refilled? If so, with what?

What could be causing them to pop the cap while simply sitting in the toolbox?

 

[bonneyman]

They make a fluid-filled manifold gauge set for HVAC work. I never bought them because they were prone to leakage if they are not stored in a vertical orientation.
The liquid is believe is glycerine, and should be refillable. The liquid helps soften and dampen pressure surges due to rapid pressure fluctuations. A/C compressors have compression strokes that make the needle "quiver" and a little difficult to read precise readings. Liquid gauges help that.

 

[william.m.hamilton2]

They can be refilled, but must be calibrated afterwards. This can be done by they manufacturer usually about 1/3-1/2 the price of new gauges. Most but not all use the same fluids. Do a search on Google for gauge calibration laboratory. Call them with a make, model, and description (range, pressure, temp. Vacuum etc). They should be able to quote you a rate.

Will

 

[spotco2]

Who made the brass gauges for CAT (Caterpillar)?

That is the only name on them.

 

[Rossco]

They will still work. Just not as 'Fluid' as they use to be (for the want of a better term)

I got a set of CAT gauges as well. Never use them anymore as I have a Tetra Gauge now.

 

[lilredex]

Long ago I worked for a company that repped "Marshalltown Gauge" and theirs were glycerine filled and prone to leaking while still on the shelf. Wouldn't waste a lot of time on those, unless they have sentimental value, new ones are still pretty cheap.

http://www.globalindustrial.ca/p/pn...gclid=CJvouqj3z74CFc9AMgodPR0AYA&gclsrc=aw.ds

The liquid fill is to soften pulsations (snubber) in the pressure reading, they will work just fine without the fill.

 

[Mr.Ric]

the viscosity of instrument and gauge oil varies widely, depending on the application. An appropriate silicone in the range of 6000 to 15000 would probably be a good choice, available in hobby shops in 2 oz. bottles.

 

[foghorn1966]

The gauges should be fine, they were calibrated at the factory prior to filling. Myself, I would stand them upside down for a while to drain the remaining oil out and use them. Pressure build up in the case probably popped the plug out. Most filled gauges have a tiny lever thing through the plug that will allow the case to breathe, then close so they don't leak. Other styles have a small nub on the plug that you are suppose to cut after installation. When using them dry, use a small needle valve (rated for the pressure you are testing & the gauges) to dampen any pulsations. Reinstall the plugs after poking a hole in them after draining.