Gauges, Gauges, Gauges

[Kingram]

Ok, I don't have enough Gauges.



Thinking of adding an amp gauge. Should I get -30 to +30 or -60 to +60? Not sure how much the grid heaters pull.



How about charge air? Westach has a combo IN/OUT. Has anyone monitored these temps? You know, to see if my winter front is killing my air temps. If so, what type of probes do I need for this?



I've got the Oil Pressure/Water Temp combo gauge coming already.



Any thoughts. And as always, thanks!

Chris

 

[illflem]

The most worthwhile gauge you mention is the intake air. The voltmeter tells you about the same as an amp meter. Fuel temp is fun, need 0°-150° gauge.



You really only need the post cooler temp as it's the only one that matters. The cooler is so efficient that the intake temp is almost always 20° above ambient unless you are on a long high boost pull. Yes, that means if it's -20° the gauge will read zero unless you are drawing underhood air after the engine is warmed up. You need a gauge that at least reads 0°-200°.

I use a 0°-300° digital oil temp gauge and sender, must be accurate because after the truck is parked long enough it reads the same temp as the overhead console before starting the truck. Optimum operating range is 50°-90°. Highest I've ever seen my intake temp was 152° on a 12 mile 14% hill towing 5k on a 95° day.

 

[Kingram]

Thanks Bill. Where would you recommend the thermister be located for the intake temp? Down near the cooler or up near the engine?



Thanks again!



Chris

 

[redneckdr]

ammmeter

since the alternator is rated at >100 amps, and the line from the alternator to the PDC is huge, installing an ammeter is going to be tough. i think units are made with senders, that can be mounted in the line from the alternator, then use a smaller wire to enter the cab to the meter. there may also be an "induction" pickup unit available, don't know, as i haven't looked.

 

[redneckdr]

ammeter

just did a search, and "shunted" ammeters are available with a 150 amp range... ..... kits start at over $200 on the site i found, however. guess i'd better add, i've never tried to install an ammeter on a system with the capacity of our trucks...

 

[Kingram]

Westach

Thanks Herb. I'm not sure it is worth the cost or effort to do the ammeter. I did look on Westach's site and it APPEARS that they have a 150 amp gauge for about $55 and the 200 amp shunt is about $40. I'm not sure if I'm seeing that correctly or not. I'll call them today. But again, may not be worth the effort.



Thank you for the reply though,



Chris

 

[Shovelhead]

Chris does you dash look like this yet? :-laf

 

[Kingram]

Good one!

Not yet, but I still have all day today to work on it!



Thanks for the incentive!!

 

[redneckdr]

ammeter

altho the ammeter does give different info than the voltmeter, from a practical standpoint, the voltmeter gives you the necessary info, ie. if the charging system is working. i haven't installed an ammeter on any of my recent vehicles, altho used to do it routinely. still have a couple of automotive ammeters in the shop--one with "pigtails" on it that i use occasionally if i'm trying to chase down a battery drain problem.

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by Kingram

Where would you recommend the thermister be located for the intake temp? Down near the cooler or up near the engine?

Chris, I tapped a port in the aluminum airhorn about 8" upstream from the grid heaters on the cab side. It could be anywhere on the airhorn, main reason for this location for me was fuel filter access. Your 24 valve may be different, keep access in mind.

Starting out at 20° on the gauge one cycle of the grid heaters will raise the temp to over 100°