They are definitely nicer for servicing, but you've already heard the potential tradeoffs. And besides, as far as service goes, just how often are you likely to mess around with your gauges?
The good point about them though, is that those threaded studs on the backs of the gauges can twist out and break if you're not a little bit careful. And if you have an older Centech kit you're installing with the Nyloc type nuts, either be SUPER careful and use your personal feeler gauge (your hands and brain) or just don't use them.
There are horror stories...
Ford did in fact use that type of connector on four circuits (maybe more?) under our hoods. The environment is more stressful, and they are on "service items" so to speak, but they are also prone to loosening up over time.
Oddly enough, two of the four circuits are for the gauges. Water temp and oil press.
The other two, START and IGN for the starter relay, also fail over time. Though not as often as the sending units in my experience.
Unfortunately for buying something like that through mailorder, there are actually two different sizes of those push-on connectors. Not sure if it's actual part number variations, or just shoddy quality control and they're just inconsistent. But I've had a number of them that did not fit easily over the starter relay terminals.
If you decide to try them at some point anyway, maybe measure your posts and check the part's specifications just to be sure.
Paul
