Fuel Meter.

[jmeehan]

I'd like to put some sort of indicater (other then the throttle) in my truck that would tell me when the engine is using more or less fuel. I don't need to measure the amount, just give me an indication of when it's consuming more or less. I've thought maybe an inductive pickup on the signal wire to the injection pump, but I'm not sure there is just one wire that only has one task. I've also thought of a pressure gauge on the fuel return, higher pressure=less fuel going into the cylinders. Any thoughts or comments?
Would the factory overhead computer work in this application? I don't have one and I'm not that intrigued with most of its functions.

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ex Ford tech, now driving '01. 5 2500 4X4 QC LB ETH/DEE SLT 3. 54, Patriot Blue

 

[dresslered]

The factory overhead computer gives Instantaneous Fuel Economy (ECO). Is this what you're looking for?

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, HO Cummins (ETH), 6-Speed (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 LSD, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Heated Leather, Sliding Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine + diff. temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, Tork Lift camper tie-downs, Mag-Hytec, Mopar Tow Hooks, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper. "Do it in a Dually"

 

[illflem]

Someone posted a link about six months ago to a digital flow meter that was very cool. It had a pickup for both the supply line and the return then displayed the subtracted rate. It displayed current gallons per hr,average gph and gallons used since reset. I would love to have that gizmo,but it was about $400 if memory serves me.
The overhead mpg gauge isn't very accurate,I think you would be hard pressed to make something work on your own unless you are an electronics wiz.
Your boost gauge will give you a good indication of fuel use,just as the vacuum does on a gasser,no real numbers though.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[Guest00]

boost gauge---- more boost = more fuel
less boost = less fuel

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2K, 2500, Laramie, Quad, 4x4, 3:54LSD, A/T, reese 15k 5th slider, EASLEY BULL BAR, WESTIN NERFS, TA's, 9000's, DD2's, Bully Dog Boost & elbow, ISSPRO pyro & boost, Turbo Lifesaver, JARDINE 4", DTT VB,TC,TC SAVER and AUX COOLER, PAC BRAKE, MAG HYTECH TP& DC, onboard.
pullee #1 26' Arctic Fox 5th
#2 22' car hauler w/ 76 Pinto 392cid or 68 Cyclone GT Cobra Jet FB
NRA-LIFE, VFW-LIFE, SOC-LIFE, SASS

 

[BigDaddy]

Check out FloScan. I have seen them often in marine use. Be prepared for sticker shock.

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<font color=forestgreen>2000</font> DODGE <font color=forestgreen>RAM</font>, <font color=forestgreen>2500 HD</font>, 4x4 SLT, Reg. Cab, <font color=forestgreen>Forest Green</font>, Agate interior, Cummins ISB, Auto, Shift-on-the-Fly (241HD), 4. 10 Anti-slip Rear, 4-Wheel Anti-Lock, Trailer Tow Group, Camper Group, Michelin; DC: Fog Lights Kit, Tow Rings, Under rail bedliner, VentVisors, Mud Flaps, & Mats.
<font color=forestgreen>After-market</font>: K40, Viperw/AutoStart, Clarion 6 Disk CD w/remote, UnidenCB w/Francis antenna, Draw-Tite Activator II, Alpex 255TC2C Air Horns, Painless Wiring, HOWES, Liquid Glass #ad

 

[Black Fingernails]

Someone beat me to it. Floscan is it. I actually live 1 block away from their shop here in Seattle. I have floscan in my boat and it works flawlessly. Measures exact fuel consumption in gallons per hour. Cost is easily justified in an environment where fuel is scarce and you want to know efficient cruise speed.

95 SLT, LWB, AT, 4x4

 

[jmeehan]

Thanks for the replies.
I have used fuel flow meters such as the FloScan at work. I was hoping for something less complicated & expensive. I haven't gotten around to boost/pyro gauges yet, but when I do I'll use them if nothing else comes up.
I just wanted to know if anyone here had rigged up any home made divice yet.

[This message has been edited by 85CJ (edited 02-13-2001). ]

 

[illflem]

If your Dodge fuel level sender ever goes out you can consider the price you would have to pay for a new one to be a rebate on a Flowscan.

 

[jmeehan]

Great idea, thanks. I'd always know exactly how much fuel is in the tank.

 

[BigDaddy]

85CJ,

If I had first checked your profile I probably would have never posted #ad

Well since I'm here, How about "old JC Whitney", sometime they have stuff you would never think of #ad

 

[GRudy]

I think the best indicator would be a Pyro gauge. Install a combo gauge from Geno's and it will tell you eveything you need to know about whats going on. More boost + more Fuel = more power! The higher the EGT's the more fuel your using. Get her to cruise at 4 or 5 lbs. boost and under 600 degrees and you got your best economy.

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George, Perry County, PA
99 3500, Reg Cab, 4x4, NV4500, ISB, 4:10,VA box,Putco Boss
running boards, Grover air horns, Intense Blue.