Awesome.... I checked my vintage Moon tire gauge just now and darn it it was right on.... Is there any fix for the old pencil types?
I've got a couple of these exact same accu-gages with the crossed checked flags. I bought one of these new in the mid 80's and a couple years ago picked up another that was NOS. I've though about buying others, but have always wondered about the accuracy of ones that I didn't know the history of. No telling what they'd been through over the years. @Ryan do you know how to date these or what years they were produced? I know the newer ones had accu-gage in a slanted typeface without the checked flags.
Simple and well explained. I have always shied away from them for their lack of accuracy. Now I will not.
still have the old VDO tire pressure gauge that was given to me by VW along time ago... in the glove box of my Silverado .. Bought a nice one to for my off topic cars and the 36 .. since the ones at the filling stations are junk.. Griots $80.00 .. but its nice.. works great and accurate
Well, geez, I wish I'd have seen the video before I discovered the "U" shaped adjuster thingy by trial & error. I have three of the old Moon ones & it appears that only one is accurate....so I'll be operating on the two with the bad readings, which are pretty much off. I've also recalibrated other gauges that operate on that principle (like oil pressure, air pressure, fuel pressure & even supercharger, vacuum & temps), where the needles weren't properly resting at the zero mark. But, most gauges don't seem to have the "U" shaped adjuster, which is a curveball. I had success in tweaking the small metal connector band the unites the flexible Bourdon Tube with the little levers that make the needle respond. The biggest pain there was removing the bezel & taking the gauge out now the cup (and then reinstalling everything). There are gauges out there that have a calibration screw on the face, but I haven't delved into how that works.
Great video. I’m curious how you’re tightening the U. I’d assume needle nose pliers? I’m also wondering if you can use it while calibrating it with out putting the case back on? It would appear so but figured it was worth asking.
I did mine with the needle nosers. The gauge is useable out of the case, but if you as much as breathe on the Bourdon tube, it'll cause the needle to jump. The best bet is to hold the square brass lower part of the gauge with a ViceGrips so you don't interfere with the guts.
I adjusted the US Gauge versions I have and use them. Sadly I'm weirdo that likes old tire pressure gauges, thermometers, oven thermometers almost anything old and mechanical. Great idea for posting a fix it video.
Hey Ryan, nice clear video on how to adjust one of these gauges! And thanks for changing the lens.... Your next assignment is “repairing a temp gauge”. The assignment is due in two weeks. (A retired teacher)
I have the exact same gauge as in Ryan's first post. I got it as a birthday present 50+ years ago, it still works great. I keep it in the glove box of my car.
I have a tire gauge like this, my Granddad gave it to me back in the 60's, mine also has a pretty roached out leather case. HRP
They were made from the 1950s into the 80s I believe… I found a website to use for dating them, but on the road now. Will post it when I get home. A bunch of different brands used this same “valve train” with minor differences. If it has a bourbon tube, there will be an adjustment somewhere. Yep. Small needle nose… and do it with very little pressure. It doesn’t take much at all for 5-pound changes. ‘I’ve never messed with pencil gauges as most I’ve seen you have to all but destroy to get them apart.
I carry an old brass one in the truck. It's long, and accurate. I found it at a garage sale years ago and bought it for a buck. Interesting that it was made by "Schrader's Son" instead of "Schrader".
I’ve never owned one of these, but I’ve read these are the gold standard for accuracy in terms of pencil gauges. A few years back, I sold a “glovebox wallet” that included a Milton S921. These are made in the USA and pretty damned good for a modern pencil gauge. I think you can still buy them new? Those wallets were so dope.
I suppose this type of air gauge could be called a pencil, my granddad called it a shotgun shell air gauge. I have never tried to take it apart but it seem to work properly. HRP
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