Do I need gauges?

[kober]

Reading this forum makes me believe that every truck with a Cummins engine should have a fuel pressure gauge and and exhaust temperature gauge. If this is so, will dealers install and warranty these items or do they void any existing warranties?



Kurt

 

[CajunDieselMan]

Kurt posed the very same question I wanted to ask. I'd like to get guages, wonder if they'll be helpful, and would like to do it "legally" through my dealer.

 

[Johnstra]

I know lots of guys who run w/o guages and never have any problems. IMO, if you plan to tow heavy you need an EGT guage. If you plan to BOMB you need boost, pyro, and possibly a fuel pressure gauge. If you plan to leave your rig stock, I consider them a 'nice to have' as they will tell you if something is not behaving correctly. Just my . 02.

 

[InThinAir]

Kurt,



Welcome, over from the RV forums... .



Dodge doesn't have an accessory package of guages. So they don't install them. But they do not have any problem with you installing them in your truck. But as with any aftermarket accessory, if an issue arises that involves any of those accessories, you will be on your own, "your own Warranty Station". There are many reputable shops in most areas that will install your guages for you.



Also most guage configurations for an 3rd gen auto would be EGT, Boost and Trans Temp. The Fuel pressure is not quite as important with the 3rd Gens as it is with the 2nd. Not sure if you have an auto...



As far as being helpful, I would not drive a Diesel without at least an EGT. Especially with any load. I can tell you that both of my mostly stock trucks could be pushed passed their melting point with a load attached or in the bed. And also without one you are just turning off your truck hoping that you are not coking the turbo.



Hope this helps



---Doug

 

[RRoton]

Reading this forum makes me believe that every truck with a Cummins engine should have a fuel pressure gauge and and exhaust temperature gauge. If this is so, will dealers install and warranty these items or do they void any existing warranties?



Kurt

Your signature does not indicate if you have a stick shift or an auto.

If it's an auto, then a transmission Temp. gauge is more important than fuel pressure.

 

[SVazquez]

I had the Dodge dealer install mine. Bought the gauges and pod myself and took them to the dealer. Only gripe I have is that they installed the EGT post turbo. It wasn't until I started reading on here that pre is the way to go.

 

[kober]

I have an automatic transmission. I haul a truck camper and 18 ft boat over some pretty steep mountains to get to some of our lakes her in AZ. Occasionally I will haul a pallet of concrete, about 4,000 pounds no further than a few dozen miles of flat roads.



I can see the need for the 3 gauges mentioned and will search for a reputable shop to install them. I'm sorta running out of room since I just installed my airbag gauge and a satellite radio tuner down by my right knee.



Is the water temp gauge any indication of EGT or transmission temps at all? In other words if the engine is cool can I take it for granted that the transmission is too?



Kurt

 

[kober]

Kurt,



Welcome, over from the RV forums... .





---Doug

Thanks, still learning lots of new things. Love this forum.



Kurt

 

[InThinAir]

Kurt,



The Water temp gauge will be an effect of higher than normal temperatures. Meaning that your egts could be too high for serveral minutes before your water temp starts to climb. Then your fan clutch will engage and cool down your water temp but your EGTs will continue to climb. With the loads that you carry, similiar to mine with the Slide in and the Horse Trailer, you will really push your egts. But don't let these guys scare you with the temps. I have held my truck past the top numbers recommended on here for minutes and so far no long term effects. And the newer trucks 03+ have additional safe guards to allow for high piston temps.



I have never heard of anyone over heating the transmission, but I only have 6speeds, so I am not sure on the transmission temp guage. I just may not pay close enough attention.



So the guages will be very useful for monitoring your driving style and changing it for economy and longevity.



Also your mounting options are endless. Three guage A-pillar, or single x-monitor, or in the cubby or on the column. So don't worry about space, when you are done it will look like cockpit of a rocket!!!



---Doug

 

[DocDetonancour]

Stock truck shouldn't need gauges, but they add to the lust... IMO. . Doc