Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dont assume you have fuel pressure, get a gauge

[Daddy]

Finally after about 6 wks of being on back order from Genos I got my fuel pressure gauge. The truck runs ok but didnt seem to have what it used to, kinda lays down in 4th and 5th with PE set on high not bad but noticable. I have 9 to 10psi at idle but it drops to about 6 at cruise and almost nothing with my foot in it. That is with the box off, turned on it hit 0 psi fast. I dont think i've hurt anything but i'm picking up new pump tomorrow. Truck is a 99 w 46000 miles.

 

[Whitmore]

10-4 BIG DADDY

Dont assume you have fuel pressure, get a gauge



JUST DO IT

 

[Ncostello]

Speaking of fuel pressure guages...

My first guage is going to be the fuel pressure unit. I just installed a new lift pump and want to keep a close eye on it. I plan on installing a 2 guage A-pillar pod to monitor boost and EGT's. But I want to mount the fuel pressure guage on its own bracket just below the ash tray. I have determined it will be out of my way yet I can still glance down and see it easy.



When in this position, it will be lower than the fuel line connection I want to use. I am thinking of using the post (or pre?) filter plug port in the aluminum cannister housing. I also plan on putting a petcock valve on the other port so I can easily bleed air through clear tubing hose to a bucket while priming a new filter.



1. Is it OK to mount it lower than the connection point. I am thinking there shouldn't be.



2. How do you get all the air out of the line up to the guage. OR does air in the line make much difference. I always thought air would compress giving a false indication on the guage.



3. What kind of hose/fittings is recommended for something like this. I dont want a huge diameter line, but then again, I dont want fuel spraying all under the dash from a leak.

 

[RobbyRam]

Here's what I hooked up:

I ordered BriarHopper's Fuel Pressure test gauge which has a 5' 2500 psi A/C charging hose with a Schrader connection to connect to either of the two factory test points and a mechanical fuel pressure gauge, and with the help of some photos of the low test psi's, the dealer replaced my lift pump.



I then installed a Westach Fuel pressure gauge in my 'A' pillar and I removed BriarHopper's mechanical gauge off of the hose and screwed on the Westach sending unit to it and to a bracket on the inside of the fender and wired it to the new gauge.



It works perfect, and for insurance, I wrapped the hose with some 600 degree protective tape.



And anytime I want to I can either disconnect the Schrader connection for dealer testing, or disconnect the sending unit and hook up the mechanical gauge for portable testing.



Old lift pump #'s : Idle=10 psi, 70mph=3 psi; WOT=0 psi.

New lift pump#'s: Idle=15 psi, 70mph=13 1/2 psi, WOT=11 psi.