Gauge Advise

[MMcCallie]

My BD-Power X-Monitor has me totally fed up, it needs to be replaced and I won't buy another electrical product from BD. I'd prefer to have an all-in-one digital gauge. I'd need it to read off of my 2000 Ford 7. 3 engine coolant and oil pressure gauges. I'd like to add fuel pressure and possibly some sort of aftermarket tachometer signal. I've looked at Edge, Quadzilla, DashHawk, Magden, SCT, and Bully Dog. Either they are for the wrong years, or are way too expensive. My factory Ford PCM is unreliable so I don't think plugging into the OBDII port would be of much benefit.



I am considering gauge pods so that when one fails, I don't have to give up the entire unit. I've been browsing Isspro, Di-Pricol, and Auto Meter gauges. I am curious as to whether most people are more satisfied with electronic gauges or mechanical. I've had issues with my current oil pressure gauge leaking inside the cab so it would be nice not to have to run coolant, oil, and fuel into the cab. However, I'm leery of electronic sending units. Are they reliable and will they withstand harsh vibrations?



Are there any non-digital, perhaps strictly mechanical gauges that are capable of recalling maximum readings? Does anyone know how the recall function works on the Isspro Performax series? On a hard run, I prefer to keep my eyes glued to the road, not my gauges. Especially on steep, winding mountain roads where elk, mule deer, and antelope frequently cross.



I've also read that many mechanical pyrometers don't give accurate readings as they vary based on in cab temperatures. I've read that convex lenses can cause a lot of glare, making the gauges difficult to read. Stepper motors appear to have smoother, more accurate readings. So what type of gauge is most accurate and reliable?

 

[monkeyman]

I have the Pulse, but also have Autometer Pyro,Fuel Pressure and Boost. I find the Autometer Pyro and Pulse (which is digital) are mostly right on.
Rick

 

[BDaugherty]

My buddy has an Edge Evolution on his '99 Powerstroke dually. The gauges work well and the whole install is very easy.

 

[MMcCallie]

Problem is, the digital gauges I've looked into use the MAP sensor for boost pressure. BD says they can repair my X-Monitor for $100 or less, plus shipping. After pricing A-pillar pods and accompanying gauges, I think I'm going to go that route. They also offer a kit that will provide a fuel pressure reading to the gauge which replaces a banjo bolt on top of the filter, sticks out several inches, and only sends wires into the cab, no fuel, but costs another $200. Quadzilla said theirs won't work.

 

[Pliska]

Pasted below is a description on how the ISSPRO Performax Total Recall function works. The electronic sensors used on the Performax and EV² series are all solid state and extremely durable. The old-style electronic pressure sensors used an electromechanical design (a diaphragm moving a mechanism) which were succeptible to vibration-induced failures. The new capacitance-based units are much more durable.



Regards,

Michael Pliska



The Total Recall™ feature provides the ability to view the extreme values of all functions connected to the Performax™ system. For most functions, the stored value is the maximum value, but on fuel system pressures (Fuel, HPOP, and Rail Pressure), the lowest value while under load is recorded (requires the use of Performax boost gauge sensor). This allows you to focus on driving down the dragstrip or pulling track, keeping it in the groove instead of trying to see if your fuel pressure is dipping at the end.



Installation Instructions:

Connect a normally open momentary pushbutton or switch between ground and the yellow wire (pin #12) on the black connector to the ESP.



Operating Instructions:

When in normal (gauge display) operation, press and release the Total Recall button to toggle between Total Recall and Normal display modes.



When in Total Recall mode, the gauges will all sweep to their extreme values (see above for max vs. min values) recorded since the last time the memory was re-set. Please note that all temperature gauges (except Pyrometers) will respond slowly as they move to the extreme value, as they utilize software filtering at the gauge to help ensure a steady response under normal conditions.



The extreme values remain stored even if the battery is disconnected from the vehicle. To re-set the stored values, start with the extreme values displayed (press and release the button once if initially in normal mode), then press and hold the Total Recall button for 3 seconds. All the gauges should move to their minimum positions (except the aforementioned Fuel-system related gauges, which will move to their maximum positions). When you release the button, the gauges will return to normal function.

 

[WoodChuck]

Hey Michael,

I was wondering how the ESP knew when to start recording values. How much boost does it look for to start recording?

I'm about ready to place my order but will probably just do the three gauge minimum to qualify for the $100 rebate.

 

[Pliska]

Woodchuck,

It starts recording min fuel pressure and rail pressure when it hits 15 psi boost.



Regards,

Michael Pliska

 

[MMcCallie]

UPS just returned my X-Monitor to me, Monday night. I was assured it would be in my hands by last Friday, hadn't planned to still be here but lucked out. It is too dark to install tonight, I'm hoping for some time tomorrow.

I was told it tested as having no problems. I'm not sure what they charged me, but they sent a new data cable and a new pyrometer. I was told it would probably be about $50. So, hopefully it was just a third failed pyrometer. If it still doesn't work this time, I don't know what I'll do. Just lost my job so affording nice ISSPRO gauges is out of the question.

I do however, need a new, digital water temperature gauge to replace my current mechanical gauge. My truck overheated last night because I left it idling. I'm not used to temperatures getting up into the 40s so I'd forgotten to turn on the fan. I need a digital gauge that will flash a warning I can preset and will also activate the fan automatically like a thermostat. Any suggestions?

 

[Pliska]

MMcCallie,

Sorry to hear of the layoff, lots of that going around. Several OEM customers of ours have gone bankrupt or out of business lately.



Are you the guy I talked to on the phone a few weeks back? I just noticed your truck in your signature, can't be too many Cummins Excursions running around!



We have a project on the table for standalone gauges with warning levels and output drivers (like you were looking for), but they will be several months off (probably early 2010). We will probably do something in the Performax system as well, probably about the same time frame.



Regards,

Michael Pliska