Voltage Stabiliser

[Peted7202]

Which models/years were fitted with a instrument voltage stabiliser? Are these primarily to dampen fuel slosh?

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

It was supposed to give a more accurate reading. 1965 on/black speedometer.

[geoberni]

Which models/years were fitted with a instrument voltage stabiliser? Are these primarily to dampen fuel slosh?

In reverse order, yes they are to dampen the fuel slosh, but only because in the early 1960s, Smiths redesigned how their gauges worked.
Early system just use the 12v supply and the gauge has a couple of electromagnets to move the needle, hence rapid movement as the float bounces.
The latter gauges used a bi-metal heating arrangement, thus the gauge does not react instantly to the float bouncing up and down.

The gauge in the Minor changed with the change to the Black Face speedo, so I believe the stabiliser is only fitted to Black face Speedo, that's S5 cars, Oct 1964 onwards.

[Peted7202]

Thanks

[Peted7202]

The black speedo I have does not have any fuel gauge terminal markings. Is this because it's a bi metal type and can be connected either way?

[geoberni]

The black speedo I have does not have any fuel gauge terminal markings. Is this because it's a bi metal type and can be connected either way?

The fuel gauge is not polarity conscious (you don't touch the fuel gauge when changing a car from Positive to Negative Earth) nor were the original electromechanical Voltage Stabilisers.
But modern replacement Voltage Stabilisers are!