Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) best gauge mix

[Tractorat]

Im making an appt for mid to next month to add some gauges. I already have a trans temp gauge and an LED FP warning light.



My original thought was to add a pyro and a FP. But, I wonder if it might make more sense to add a pyro and boost (keeping trans temp in either scenario), or adding the pyro, boost, and FP (removing the trans temp).



I know its better to have all 4. But I would like to keep the gauges down to just three on the A pillar, with none added to a dash mount.



The only towing I do is my 4k loaded 19ft TT. When towing, I never go over 60. Usually keep it between 55 and 58.



Thanks,

Mike

 

[DIESELWRKS]

I would still do a fuel pressure gauge I have mine mounted down by the trailer brake. yes you do have a light telling you when you hit low pressure. that tells you when your lift pump has failed. doesn't tell you when your lift pump starts to fail. . IMO the low pressure light is a waste of money. .

 

[Tractorat]

Thanks,

The gauge down by the trailer brake would make a lot of sense. Ill take a look at that. i just dont want to clutter up the dash with stuff. But I like the idea of the gauge down by the brake.

 

[madmanmanick]

There is another couple options. The first is take a look at Westach Gauges, some of their gauges are combination gauges( I was told their gauges are crap, I have one for fuel pressure and have had no problems with it, personal preference I guess). The other option is to use the single gauge mount that goes on the steering column, or that pocket that is on the dash by the vent duct to the right of the stereo. Hope this helps.

 

[magaliasram]

I have all Westach guages (4) Boost/Pyro Combonation Trans and fuel pressure. Been in use four years the only problem I had was I lost the sending unit for the Electric Fuel Pressure guage. Everything works great all mounted on the A pillar. The main thing is to monitor the engine and they do that well. Another option is to go with the Digital guage that gives you everthing in one guage. Just another opinion.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Do Gloshift 3-in-1 Diesel Gauge, either Boost/Pyro/Trans or like mine Boost/Pyro/Fuel press
then add a 2nd gauge to either do trans temp or fuel pressure. I decided to do the trans temp separately because I am going to monitor axle and engine oil temp too and thought a separate gauge for this would make more sense

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[HBarlow]

You need exhaust gas temp and boost gauges to understand what your engine is doing, to protect a modified engine from excessive combustion chamber temps, and to detect performance problems. With performance upgrades you also need an automatic transmission temp gauge to protect the 47RE.

Many TDR members think a fuel pressure gauge is vitally important. Over three Dodge-Cummins trucks and 650,000 miles I've never had one or felt the need for one. I've never experienced a disabling fuel transfer pump or injection pump issue.

 

[AClayton]

You need exhaust gas temp and boost gauges to understand what your engine is doing, to protect a modified engine from excessive combustion chamber temps, and to detect performance problems. With performance upgrades you also need an automatic transmission temp gauge to protect the 47RE.



Many TDR members think a fuel pressure gauge is vitally important. Over three Dodge-Cummins trucks and 650,000 miles I've never had one or felt the need for one. I've never experienced a disabling fuel transfer pump or injection pump issue.

Let the hate mail begin!! I am staying out of this one^^^^^^



I didn't have a fuel pressure gauge when my lift pump failed and I was lucky! My mechanic told me I was very lucky and that my VP will fail soon. I chose not to replace it at that time but only 2 weeks later, it failed and I needed to be towed.



Alan

 

[HBarlow]

Alan,

Yes, I know it is considere blasphemous to discredit fuel pressure gauges on TDR but I am absolutely serious and telling the truth.

When my '01 was a year or two old and had about 60k on the odometer I was driving home in Lubbock one afternoon and it stumbled in third gear. I knew instantly it was the fuel transfer pump thanks to the TDR and a Dodge dealer was about one mile ahead on the street I was traveling. I pulled into the Dodge dealer, they replaced the transfer pump under warranty, and I never had another issue. The truck, still on pump # 2, had 151k miles on it when I started transporting. I had my mechanic replace pump #2 at somewhere around 200k miles while it was still working fine and again insisted he replace pump #3 when it had about 300k miles on it. I NEVER experienced another fuel transfer pump failure!

I replaced one VP-44 and around 120k miles and that was a mistake. My mechanic friend and I misdiagnosed a sticking exhaust brake that released slowly and caused an off idle stumble as a failing VP. I bought a Cummins reman pump, he installed it, and we realized we screwed up. We sold my take out pump to another guy for something like $500. The truck now has over 350k miles and belongs to my long time mechanic buddy. It still runs strong, produces 20. 5 psi boost, and has VP-44 #2 still going strong.

I never replaced the in-tank fuel transfer pump on my '06 in 230k miles. I probably would have replaced it between 250k and 300k as a preventive measure if I had kept it but sold it and bought the '08.

I certainly don't mind if everyone else swears by their fp gauges. I'm just saying I never needed one.

 

[Tractorat]

Thanks for the input everyone.

What I've been able to confirm from the trd and outside sources that I have (more or less) is that it is most important to have pyro, boost, and trans temp. These gauges will tell me if I'm doing something that can cause engine/trans damage . A FP gauge is a "nice to have", but, for all intents a purposes, is really more for monitoring fp over time.



I did have to replace my vp at about 55k, but it didn't leave me stranded or damage the engine/trans.



Mike

 

[SnoKing]

I have Pyro, Boost, transmission temp, and fuel pressure. Each one serves a special need. Snoking



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[Tractorat]

SNOKING

Ive not seen a 4 pod A-pillar like that. Do you have a photo that isnt so dark ?



Thanks

 

[SnoKing]

The bottom left FP gauge is a bullet mount on the side of the three gauge mount. Snoking

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[Tractorat]

Thanks, looks good.

 

[SNGLESHOT]

Edge monitor vs guages?

Not trying to hijack the thread or anything like that but I am considering getting a set of guages for the A pillar like a lot of you guys do. I figure on boost, EGT, and Transmission temp. My question is this: Would it be advantageous to consider an Edge CTS monitor over the individual gauges? Considering the ease of connection, that much alone would allow consideration. I have not compared prices yet because I have not decided which manufacturer to go with yet but looking at some of the prices in Geno's catalog and then checking the price for the Edge CTS monitor on line; the Edge would be competitive to say the least. Last but not least would be the labor of installment. With the Edge all I would have to deal with would be the EGT if I understand their advertisement correctly as the boost and trans temp are already monitored by the ECM and are available on the Edge monitor? Please correct me if I am wrong.
So... . do any of you drivers out there have anyexperience with the Edge monitor and are able to compare it against individual guages? Price, ease of installment, looks, functionality, and accuracy... . please advise? Thanks in advance.

 

[HBarlow]

Major,

I know nothing about the Edge or other magic black boxes but I and many others prefer using three analog style gauges which display all three parameters at once. Something about an analog gauge makes it easier to read and comprehend with a casual look when compared to a digital readout.

 

[bromano676]

I put the CTS in my truck



I love it. It can display anything you want. I have the LED light for FP, and a Banks Pyro and boost gauge. The boost gauge is still hooked up. I would like to get a three piece manifold and then I will have two ports to install both Pyro sensors. I have to install my Airdog and then I will hook the LED up to that.



I installed the gauges in 2002 because that was what I could afford. When I was looking for the FP gauge and and the Edge EZ it only made sense to buy the CTS. more features, more gauges, more flexibility, more power potential (as in I have not tapped the pump yet)