Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel pressure guage

[thendrex]

I recently replaced a VP 44 because of a bad lift pump. If I would have had a fuel pressure guage I wouldn't have had this problem. Now, out of all the guages you people have bought and tried, which one do you thinkworks best? I see some of you having problems with air bubbles and having to use a tube from a grease gun etc. I want something I don't have to babysit and will work without problems. I'll even consider digital... Thanks for all the info guys... .

 

[fj40charles]

Todd,



Yours will be easy to install since it is a 1999 model. You should be able to connect a snubber to the top of the fuel filter assy.



Personally, I've used the Westach one Geno's garage carries. It has worked well for over 1 year. Reasonable price and well made.

The only downside is it doesn't match my Autometer ultra lite gauges. I was not willing to pay another 100+ dollars just so it would match.



My humble 2 cents.

Charles

 

[RADdodge]

I think air in the line to the gauge is a good thing, no? It helps smooth out the pulses, but the air doesn't last. That's the reason for the snubber line from the fuel line to the sender unit. It helps to absorb some of the pulsations induced by the injection pump. My SPA gauge is working great now with a good ground and I'm getting some di-electric grease to use on the connections (PE Comp connections too. ) The alarm feature warns of pressure going too low (have mine set at 3 psi). I heard good comments about the SPA gauges here and tried one. It's full featured and I will get some more as I can afford them. The down side is they are pricey.

 

[tking]

Originally posted by fj40charles

Todd,



Yours will be easy to install since it is a 1999 model. You should be able to connect a snubber to the top of the fuel filter assy

My 99 has 2 plugs on top of the filter. Is one pre and one post filter or doesn't it make any difference?



What is a snubber, some sort of pulsation damper? Does it come w/ most gauges? If not where do you get one?



Questions, questions



Todd

 

[JPittman]

Todd,



The inboard (closest to engine) is the post filter port. You can run a hose from there to the sender and you will monitor the psi going to the VP44. The other port is prefilter. I too have a 99 and didn't use a snubber. As far as I know, only use the snubber if the hose is coming off the VP44 to dampen the pulses. I ran mine from the filter cannister and my gauge is rock steady.

Good luck.



John

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Aside from the obvious places like Granger and McMaster-Carr, does anybody carry the Snubbers and needle valves for our fuel pressure gauge setups? Like a performance diesel place?

 

[tking]

Thanks John!

Originally posted by JPittman

Todd,



The inboard (closest to engine) is the post filter port. You can run a hose from there to the sender and you will monitor the psi going to the VP44. The other port is prefilter. I too have a 99 and didn't use a snubber. As far as I know, only use the snubber if the hose is coming off the VP44 to dampen the pulses. I ran mine from the filter cannister and my gauge is rock steady.

Good luck.



John

I think I'll try it w/o a snubber and see what happens



Todd

 

[Car_nut57]

We have a white faced Di-Pricol mechanical gauge 0-30psi which is very simple and reliable. The most difficult part of the installation is the isolator or snubber if you use one. To work properly these devices must be hyraulic using a glycol solution inside the cab of the truck. If you get any air bubbles in the line the air compresses and can cause the gauge not to read the proper pressure.



Of course these gauges can be used without the isolator, but you will have fuel in the line to the gauge in that case which is a safety concern.

 

[Ramboy]

I have a '99 and used an 18" grease gun hose direct to the sender of a Nordskog digital gauge from Summit. Works great, no bouncing, no problems.

 

[AKostman]

fuel pressure

I just installed a Westach guage from Geno's and it works fine. A new pump was installed under warranty, idles at 16psi wot at 12. Very pleased so far and with the gauge ahd a little fun wiring to the vehicle. Changing a lift pump looks very challanging, not looking forward to it. Good Luck

 

[lsenus]

After loosing my VP44 because of a bad LP, I installed Autometer's Ultralite electrical FP gauge. I used a 12" snubber hose from the top of the canister to the sender whic is mounted just under the hood seal on the fire wall. This creates a nice 90' bend in the line allowing air to be trapped to help further dampen any pulses. I show 14. 2 to 14. 4 psi at idle, 12. 0 - 12. 2 psi at 70 MPH cruise.

IMHO, the electrical is MUCH easier to install.

 

[MxerChris]

Since I'm a newbie to the 24ver (one week), on my 99 can I attach a pressure (expensive mechanical) that I have under the hood just to get an idea if my pressures are good until I can get a guage inside, all this talk of lift pump failure and resulting injector pump failure has scared me. Is the lift pump covered on the drivetrain warranty?

 

[lsenus]

My dealer did warranty the lift pump. According to others on this board, some dealers won't.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=49319

 

[Oxjockey]

Can the 99 cap be (retro)fitted to the newer trucks? It seems it'd be simpler. Maybe it's worth a trip to the parts counter.



Bryan

 

[fj40charles]

Bryan,



You can always use Ray T's banjo bolts. Geno's garage sells them.



Charles

 

[Oxjockey]

Originally posted by fj40charles

Bryan,



You can always use Ray T's banjo bolts. Geno's garage sells them.



Charles

I've got one on order. But I'm the curious type. (and lazy)



Bryan