Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) fuel pressure

[shendren]

where do you guys tap the 12v for fuel pressure reading. i just want to monitor fuel pressure so that i know when it's time to say change my return hoses and my return valve. or do i just wait until it starts running bad and bag the guage? i have 100k on the engine now and it seems to be running fine. should i change the 2 items mentioned above or wait til i have a problem? the hoses are dreaded. thanks. scott.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Scott, I was thinking about that today, I have a gauge, 8 ft of hose and a fitting from TST to measure it after the filter. What I would really like is a steering column mount to monitor is all the time(Geno's has them) I have not done the fuel line change yet but it will be all braided steel stuff when I do, just need to make a plan.



Jim

 

[Kirwin]

I used the two 1/8" pipe plug ports on the Prim Loc filter head to put a gauge in. You can either get pre or post filter readings there. These plugs are for the D/P gauge that Prim Loc sells for their filter relocation kit. My truck runs around 23-30 psig so the Geno's Garage fuel pressure gauge wouldn't work. (It only goes to 16 psig) I got an Iso Pro boost gauge from Diesel Injection Service that reads 0-40 psig and it works fine. The TST adapter goes into the top of the fuel filter at the bleed plug. They say its only temporary for testing and it is pretty thin so I don't know how it would hold up to the vibration over the long haul. Hope this helps. Ken Irwin

 

[illflem]

I remove the injection pump inlet banjo bolt then drill and tap the head to 1/8'' pipe thread. If you can tap for a pyro this is a piece of cake. Drill from the inside so your hole is straight, tap from the outside. Don't lose the sealing washers. From the banjo bolt comes a 1/8'' needle valve that is run almost all the way shut to dampen any pulsations, a necessity on a 12 valve. Then small boost tubing with the appropriate compression fittings to the gauge. I push the small tubing though an outer sheath of 1/4'' tubing to protect it from kinks and cuts.



The TST adaptors seem too fragile for permanent use plus you lose easy use of your bleed screw.



My FP is almost always 22 - 24 psi

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Hey Scott. The fuel pressure gauge would give you a heads up on when you have fuel supply problems(filters,liftpump,overflow valve)... . I dont think it would tell you anything about a leaking return line. It will run like a champ with diesel(return) raining down beneath your truck Thought my son was joking when he said "Hey Dad,there is a BIG puddle of oil under your truck" Sure glad it was diesel. FWIW, my overflow valve and return line both gave out arround 160k miles.