Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) fuel pressure gauge help!!

[mgoncalves]

My fuel pressure gauge was hooked to the banjo going into the vp 44. I kept getting some rattling from it, progressively got worse. I have a needle valve in line with fuel going up to the gauge. Yesterday I ditched the banjo's between the filter and the VP, and upped the line to 1/2". I put a tee in the line for my gauge to tie into.



With me so far?



Yesterday, the gauge was quiet as a mouse, and I was happy. This morning while running some errands, the rattling/ buzzing started coming back and eventually got much worse than before. It is making noise even at idle. I thought the line was rubbing on something, so I wrapped it with soft foam and electrical tape so it can't pick up vibrations from anything. That didn't help at all, what could be the problem?



Matt

 

[Shovelhead]

Is the needle valve wide open?

Are you using a hard line or braided stainless?



If the valve is wide-open, turn it all the way closed, then have someone watch the gauge as you just barely open it enough to get a good reading on the gauge.

Then shut the engine off to be sure the pressure bleeds off quickly.

Might take a couple of trys.



Ed

 

[Sticks]

Rumor has it that a grease gun hose ($3. 99 at autozone) also helps take some of the pulsing out of it.

 

[mgoncalves]

I added a much better needle valve after my existing valve today. Gauge has been quiet so far and reacting quickly. I think my original valve just didn't offer enough adjustibility.



Matt

 

[RJMurphy]

Where are you guys getting your needle valves? Are you running Mechanical pressure gauges in the cab? I personally do not have a problem with that, its just like a mechanical oil pressure gauge. Thanks Murfman

 

[HMatson]

I'm new to the CTD, but this is what I did to cure the same problem on an older(new then) mechanical Cat 3406: I taped a fitting for a screw, loctite it in place and cut it flush. Then drilled it out with a #80 wire drill and may have peened that nearly shut. I found an aluminum machine screw to make it easier to drill. It solved the problem on that engine, and should on the CTD. The gage will be slower to respond, but that is not a problem, as the pressure rarely needs to be sampled often.



I posted this elswere and thought you might like my solution. Unlike a needle valve, it won't go out of adjustment with a clumsy bump or vibration.

 

[dieselshu]

FO pressure gauge rattle?

Are you sure its the fuel pressure and not the boost, I found my boost doing it and installed a needle valve to throttle it and no more rattle and gauge still responds rapidly.

Just a thought

Hope you find it.



Dave

 

[RobertMiller1]

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