Gauges D6 5R

Does anyone know of or have any suggestions for caps to put on the gauge tubes for when you have to disconnect the gauges to remove the dash plate?

Also, my temp gauge is either broken or not connected right. Does anyone know how the temperature gauge functions? There is the connection to the radiator pipe, then what I would describe as a copper wire that goes along through a sleeve along the engine to the temp gauge. The wire can be easily pulled out of the back of the temp gauge. Maybe I need to push the wire further into the temp gauge or maybe the wire isn't supposed to disconnect from the temp gauge?

I haven't really concerned myself with the temp gauge as coolant boiling over out of the radiator cap seems to be a good indicator of overheating. It just might be nice to have a working temp gauge.

The "wire" is a capillary tube that has the gage at one end & the bulb at the other. The system is filled with a volatile fluid that when heated expands and through a bellows and clock work mechanism in the gage head moves the needle. If your cap tube is loose then you will have to replace it or send it out for repair.

Hi Team,
link below may give some insight into how these gauges operate and how to repair them if you feel so inclined.

https://www.ply33.com/Repair/tempgauge

Cheers,
Eddie B.

Thanks for the replies, I may just see about finding a replacement for my temp gauge. Almost certain if there was any fluid in the bulb that it is gone now due to the connection to the gauge being lose/not connected.