I have a PW Model 2 that has a pressure gauge on the tank. The plastic cover over the gauge readout has been damaged and needs repair. Being afraid to damage the gauge and/or threaded seal into the tank, I thought cutting a piece of plastic (flashlight lens spare?) to fit the lens area. Then, I could cut out the existing damaged plastic with a razor blade, put silicone glue under the lip of the metal part of the gauge, and slip the new piece of plastic in place. I would have to temporarily glue a stick or something to the replacement plastic piece in order to place it correctly. Turning the whole shebang upside down would hold the glued piece in place until set. I don't know if this gauge is removable and can thus be dismantled in order to get to the inside top cover to repair the damaged plastic window. Has anyone done this? If removing the gauge and accessing the plastic from the back side of the gauge cover isn't a big deal, I'd go that route. Any suggestions?
Perhaps rather than using glue, I wonder if some Blu Tack would work? The Blu Tack will be a lot easier to get off.
Kind of like make a tab to stick on the face of the plastic to lower it and pull it in place? I like it! Now I need to find the right plastic material to use. The original is a yellowish tan color. Most flashlight lenses are clear. Got any ideas for the material? I wish the guy that had this stove for only a week didn't stuff his thumb through the lens trying to wipe off the dust!!
Yeah, that was my thought exactly. I've often wondered about the glass/plastic you see that is yellow. I could never work out if it was originally yellow or was clear but had yellowed with age.
I guess if I wrenched it off the tank, disassembled it, and looked under the lip where the plastic wasn't exposed to light, I might find out the answer. I'll take a look at the gauge tomorrow and see if it can be removed. I read someone's post saying that they got into one of these gauges. I hope he sees this thread and can give me some pointers. Otherwise, I'll just go through with the original plan. I think it might just work!
Usually the case of the gauge is in two parts. A little penetrating oil and patience should enable you to take the case apart and replace the lens from the inside.
Scrolling to the end of THIS post I dismantled and repaired a pressure gauge but not one off a Prentiss Wabers stove. I had this with a missing indicator needle, missing sight glass, illegibly disfigured dial and slightly mangled (though not holed, fortunately) Bourdon tube ... ... and it came out pretty well John
How do you get the gauge off of the tank? There doesn't appear to be much space between the back of the gauge and the tank to slip a wrench in there. I'd love to see this exact gauge off the tank and in pieces to understand how to disassemble it. What type of wrench should I use to take the gauge off? Thanks for the link and pics of your gauge!
Thin wrench, something like is standard issue with a bicycle and often discarded. Grinding or filing the wrench jaws to fit the flats if required.
@seavandal I was searching for "National Gauge and Equipment" and came across: http://www.prewarcar.com They might, one day, in the classifieds, list your gauge, or maybe you can get a gauge with the 'window' you need. Just a thought. Ken in NC
I took a picture of the gauge but I can't really see if there are threads or not. It looks like there is putty covering the tube that goes from the gauge to the tank. I am tempted to just grab the gauge and give it a twist BUT I know that I could twist it and bugger it up. I think only someone who has tackled this exact gauge could tell me, otherwise, I think it's on to plan B... glue another one in from the top. Safer! If it turns out to be easy to remove the gauge, I can always clean out the plan B install and do it better if needed.
What ever you do don't just twist the gague it will break. A thin spanner or something is the only way to remove it. Your idea of replacing the lense seems the go. Also could top be removed without taking it off the tank ? Steady as she goes and plenty of penetration oil. Cheers Rob
You should be able to remove the top of the gauge without removing the gauge from the tank. Think of the gauge body as a pot and the piece with the lens is the top that fits over the pot. In the picture you posted above the seam between top and bottom part of the gauge is visible on the upper left of the picture. Turn the assembly upside down so the gauge is face down and apply penetrating oil all around the seam. Let it sit for hours, days weeks as required and gently, gradually work the top off the gauge.
It looks to me like the paint around the gauge must be scored, where the top meets the base, before the penetrating oil will have a way in. Maybe a small sharp dental tool.
I looked at a few other pictures of the gauge and found a better one that shows the top and bottom sections of the gauge. The top appears to be spot welded to the base. I have a feeling that these gauges weren't made to be taken apart once they were put together. As for the material to make the lens, I was looking at a clear hinged plastic food container. The thickness seems about right but I'm not sure about toughness. I have the container, so I might try to make the lens with it. This weekend looks like a good time to attempt the installation!
