suitable temperature gauge

[Oilyrag921]

I'm someone can help me in getting a functional temperature gauge.
  My 1957 S1 didn't have a gauge when new but a PO did fit a unit at some point.  Unfortunately it was damaged and rusty when I acquired the Land Rover, so I bought a new gauge off ebay, definitely not OEM as in far eastern type sub £10. The engine is a 2286 diesel, the sender is new, correct type and a new electronic stabilizer as well.
Before starting from cold as soon as the power is on the needle jumps off the stop (40c) and then jumps straight to 60c, when the engine runs it steadily climbs to over 120c,  I don't believe that the engine overheats so I'm wondering are the senders and gauges supposed to be matched and would I be better off with a Smiths type or can I make this work somehow?
I checked on Holden Vintage Classic and the Smiths are about £60 but on ebay the Indian copies are £13.00 delivered.  Has anyone evr used the Indian instruments?
Thanks for any advice with this.

[Wittsend]

Without seeing any pictures of what gauge you have it's very hard to answer your question.

But ,,,

It certainly seems you have a mis-matched gauge and sensor.

You need a Series 2A temp sensor which screws into the back of the cylinder head, passenger side.
To go with that you need a temperature segment from a 2A (or S3) instrument pod. This also needs the voltage stabiliser unit.

The other way to do this would be to buy and after market 2" diameter temp gauge.

No idea what the application for the Indian gauge is 

[Oilyrag921]

So here's a couple of pictures, ignition off, and on but not started. I might be better off as you say with the S2 or 3 item. Thanks.

[Wittsend]

These after market accessory gauges tend to run straight off the vehicle's electrics, i.e. at 12 volts. They don't need the voltage stabiliser.

So, try the gauge without the stabiliser in the circuit.

The Smiths classic 2" gauges are the best    and the very best are the capillary tube/sensor type. Then only need electric for the dial illumination at night.

Smiths temperature gauge
Not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for !

[Oilyrag921]

Thanks, I will try without the stabilizer but the idea of a mechanical gauge does appeal, a bit like an old barometer and they just last forever !