Checking fuel pressure

[jwilliams3]

I am wanting to check my fuel pressure by installing a temporary gauge on top of the fuel filter housing (is this right?).

Can I use any liquid pressure gauge? Also what are the measurements of the hole in question? and thread pattern?

(for a 1999).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Todd T]

sorry cant hepl you with thread sizes. mine is a 01. you can use any cheapy guage as long as you dont use it for an extended amount of time. you will want a piece of rubber hose between the engine and the guage, or you wont be able to read it with all the bouncing.



it seems to me the guys are using a grease gun hose. if you have one laying around you could clean it out and use it, or at least get an idea of the thread size needed.

 

[15w40]

The thread is a standard 1/8" NPT. Many have warned that if you mount the pressure sender on the fuel filter cover it will have a short life. The engine vibrations will trash the sender. Use a flexible grease gun hose to move the sender away from the vibration. One caution, do not over-tighten the connection to the fuel filter cover. The cast zinc boss will crack if. Ask me how I know.

 

[HVAC]

You can use a cheap 30 lb air pressure gauge used for testing gas pipe for leaks. Find an 1/8 by 1/4" hose barb fitting to screw into the filter housing and jam the hose onto the hose barb side.

Put a hose clamp on it for goos measure. You need another fitting for the gauge end, 1/8" fep by 1/4" hose barb. With about 3' of fuel line you will be able to route the hose out the rear of the engine compartment and up the windshield. Use some masking tape to secure the gauge to the outside of the windshield where you can see it while driving.



Check the pressure at idle but what really counts is WOT. Post your results here please.

 

[Big Don]

I went to sears and bought a fuel pressure test gage. The package says it's for fuel injected vehicles. Specifically says not for use on diesels. I think it's because their afraid you'll try to check the high pressure lines. I bought one of these gages cause they have a release button on the side with a long clear tube to catch the fuel in a can. I then went to a hydraulics fitting store and bought a parker part # AVU1-2. This is a schrader valve with a cap. I installed one of the in each of the two ports on top of the filter housing on my 99 Dodge. The gage also works on the schrader valves on my '00. Any autoparts store should sell this gage and may even have the valves also. I think they are 1/8" pipe.



thanks

Don Peters

 

[Waterpete]

Just for info- I replaced my stock lift pump today and got a great increase in pressure. It went to 15 lbs at idle and at wide open throttle it only drops to 9 lbs. Thats at the input of the filter and the output. i do have slightly larger lines which I bought from Brandon. This is the latest pump from Cummins. I have 383 hp at the rear wheels.

 

[redram3]

Lift pump

Waterpete,which pump did you get #, will this one work on my 98. 5. Thanks in advance.