2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Best type of fuel pressure gauge?

[Deezul1]

Time for a fuel presure gauge. I have been using a VDO electric oil pressure gauge which has done well but the sender has quit and I cant find a replacement. I am not thrilled with the idea of a fuel line into the cab. What is a good type of gauge setup to go with.

TIA

John

 

[RJOL]

Been using a Westach FP gauge, from Geno's, for over three years. Easy to install, not too expensive, and has worked flawlessly.

 

[Blue2002]

I have been looking at the Westach gauge but notic they only have 90 degree needle movement. Have you had any problems reading then? Also did you use a 15 PSI fuel pressure gauge or the 30 PSI gauge? Which would you recommend for stock config.

 

[RJOL]

I have the 15lb gauge and that's all I need. The stock pump doesn't put out more than 15lbs. Besides... I'm not concerned how high it goes, just want to make sure it isn't going down toward zero. Had to replace the lift pump, under warranty, at about 15K.



Also... I don't have any trouble reading it. I have the FP gauge, and then the EGT/Boost Westach combo gauge mounted in a two hole on the "A" piller, and it works out just fine.

 

[Blue2002]

Thanks RJOL,



You have the ones I have been eyeing in the Geno's catalog.



How long did take to install the combo gauge and the fuel presuure gauge including senders? Did you use the 18 inch hose to the schraeder port and did you use an additional snubber?

Thanks

 

[illflem]

John, your choices are extremely limited with your 12 valve if you go electric.

30 psi isn't enough, next step up is usually 100, too high.

Mechanical is the best choice. Fuel in the cab is no big deal since you must use a snubber with a 12, any leak will be a slow drip. Get one with an isolator if it really bothers you.

Another advantage with mechanical, as you have already found out, is that they last and can be trusted.

 

[Deezul1]

illflem

Good point on the snubber. Whats best? plastic or metal line?

 

[RJOL]

Originally posted by Blue2002

... How long did take to install the combo gauge and the fuel pressure gauge including senders? Did you use the 18 inch hose to the schraeder port and did you use an additional snubber?...

Should have looked at your signature a little closer. Didn't realize you were talking about a 12V. Illflem may be correct. The 12V use a mechanical pump, which is very dependable, and you may not need to put a FP gauge in, unless you just want to.



I had a 24" hose made up at a local pneumatics shop (fuel rated) and had them put the fittings on each end. Some have used a grease gun hose extension, from local auto parts store, but I wanted one with good fittings on the ends. I connected it to the schraeder valve on the VP44. If you have a 12V you will probably connect it right to the filter housing. You want to locate the sender (in an electrical unit) away from the engine vibration.



It's been three years since in put these in, but it isn't rocket science. Just take your time, use this site as a resource for great instructions, and put them in. When I drilled the manifold for the EGT sensor, I did not disconnect the turbo. I just went slow, coated the drill bit with grease when it was about to penetrate the casting, and then used a small magnet to get the few small shavings out. If you don't have a good sharp bit, sharpen it, or buy a new one for this job. Make sure you use the proper size bit for your probe. Some are 1/4" and some are 1/8" casings for the probe.



You can find plenty of detailed instructions using the search engine for all of this... Have fun...

 

[illflem]

John, I prefer 1/8'' boost type plastic line pushed thru a 1/4'' line as a protective sheath. It seems me to metal line could fatigue and break with all the shaking a rattling that goes on with our engines. Plastic line is a heck of lot easier to route also.

As RJOL said just take your time and with good plumbing practices (don't overtighten compression type fittings, no teflon tape) you'll have a long service life with no leaks.

Lots of 40 psi gauge choices, but they'll say boost on them.