Gages, What is your opinion?

[02diesel]

Hi Guys, I am new to this board as well as diesel engines. I have been reading (and learning) a lot from all of you on this site and I thank you. I am now ready to take that leap and go with my first mod. Through all your convincing it will be gages. I do have a few questions.



1. I have been looking at three different gages, Autolite A Series, VDO Vision series, and the X monitor. What do you all think of these three choices? I am concerned with quality/dependability, looks and and where is the best place to buy them.



My main concern with the X monitor is if one part of the gage goes out the entire package would have to be repaired. If I go with the analog gages I would like to have them look as close to factory as possible.





2. It seems that most of the sites selling the gages also carry the pillar mounts. Is there any differences from place to place with regard to the quality of them? Do any of them look more "factory" than the others. I believe I even found one site that would paint them for a nominal price. Is this a good way to go or is it better to order the paint and do it myself.





3. I am thinking of ordering the Mag-Hytec trans pan because it has the tapped hole for the sending unit. Is there anything special I need to do to install this pan? Do I have to add an extension for the filter or is it a direct replacement? I am looking at the shallow pan on the Genos web site. Is there a better way than adding the pan for installing the sending unit?





I am sorry for all the dumb questions. I want to be sure I do this right the first time and I value all your opinions.



Thanks

Frank

 

[Texas Diesel]

Originally posted by 02diesel

Hi Guys, I am new to this board as well as diesel engines. I have been reading (and learning) a lot from all of you on this site and I thank you. I am now ready to take that leap and go with my first mod. Through all your convincing it will be gages. I do have a few questions.



1. I have been looking at three different gages, Autolite A Series, VDO Vision series, and the X monitor. What do you all think of these three choices? I am concerned with quality/dependability, looks and and where is the best place to buy them.



They all are good choices, comes down to styling. I have the VDO Vision series and dont like the markings, you cant tell what the numbers are.



My main concern with the X monitor is if one part of the gage goes out the entire package would have to be repaired. If I go with the analog gages I would like to have them look as close to factory as possible.



even if you match the style the lights (night) will be a different color, the plastic covers they sent to make them green split and fell off





2. It seems that most of the sites selling the gages also carry the pillar mounts. Is there any differences from place to place with regard to the quality of them? Do any of them look more "factory" than the others. I believe I even found one site that would paint them for a nominal price. Is this a good way to go or is it better to order the paint and do it myself.



I like to paint my own. Alchol bath first, then 4-5 coats of paint. I think they all sell the same (basically) mount, you will have to get a round file and enlarge the holes, atleast I did.





3. I am thinking of ordering the Mag-Hytec trans pan because it has the tapped hole for the sending unit. Is there anything special I need to do to install this pan? Do I have to add an extension for the filter or is it a direct replacement? I am looking at the shallow pan on the Genos web site. Is there a better way than adding the pan for installing the sending unit?



Cant advise you, I have 2 manuals





I am sorry for all the dumb questions. I want to be sure I do this right the first time and I value all your opinions.



hope this helps



Thanks

Frank

 

[illflem]

This may help with gauge choices-- click here.

 

[HOCummins04]

Hey Frank:



I am in the same boat you are. I have not done enough research yet to make an informed decision. If you don't mind, let me know what you come up with. You can email me privately or post it here. My inclination is for electrical vs mechanical - especially for fuel pressure. I don't like the idea of pressurized diesel inside the cab. If that line would ever rupture, whew what a mess.

 

[Piston Slapper]

Isspro Ev White Face

This may help too with you gauge decision. I just added these pictures to the site. Only familiar with these gauges. I have seen others, but never owned any other brand besides some el cheapos from your national auto parts stores. I can testify that these are quality gauges and very reasonably priced. I would be safe to say they are the cheaper of the big boy brand names and you can't beat there clarity with the white or black face. The black face will match your factory interior better. I wanted mine to stick out is the reasoning for the white face (or marine version) of the gauge.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=69675



Good luck with your decison.



P. S. These are mechanical gauges. My opinion, A must if you desire precision and reliablity. You are not adding another media in between the gauge and what you are monitoring. Also, the risk for gettin fuel in the cab I believe is far less than a electrical sending unit going bad. My $. 02



Questions/Comments welcome...

 

[02diesel]

Hey everyone, Thanks for the great information. Is anyone running the Xmonitor that can give us any information on how they like it?