Got my Gauges

[GaryKrahmer]

OK... my Boost, Trans Temp, EGT, and triple "A" Pillar mount have arrived. All are Autometer.

I have searched and printed out about a ream worth of threads on how to install the gauges but still have a few questions.



My questions are... .

1. Some users say to remove the stock "A" pillar and use the new one in it's place. This is what I'd like to do. OK... . How do you get the stock pillar off? Just pull it off? I don't see how it's fastened so I'm just a bit hesitant to start yanking on things that I don't know how they're attached!



2. Where's the best place to put the sensor for the transmission temp? Inline to the cooling radiator, or in the pan. I'd like to keep from removing the transmission pan and brazing anything on it if I can help it.



I'm installing these babies Saturday so I want to have everything ready to go by then.



Thanks... and I think this forum is great. I've learned so much already, but... ... . the more I read the more I feel the need to spend $$$$



Gary

 

[Dr.Kayak]

transmission sender

Most TDRs will recomend placing the sender in-line to the cooler. I did this and watched my gauge peg at over 250* when climbing steep Sierra grades. Was my transmission really that hot? After a year I added the double-deep transmission pan with a sender in the pan. Now I can see that the fluid leaving the TC gets very hot but the transmission never gets above 125*.



Here's how my setup looks.



#ad

 

[Rob Thomas]

Gary,



Yes the A-pilar just pulls off, start from the top. and gently pull away from the clips (it has 2 clips) once both clips are released, pull up and out from the dash.



BTW, I didnt see a fuel pressure gauge in your list of goodies, shame, shame, shame.





Later, Rob

 

[RBSOB]

Welcome to TDR. Good move on the gauges but ditto Rob on the Fuel Pressure gauge. You will need this for peace of mind even with a stock truck. Have Fun, Jim G.

 

[Koa Man]

If you want to monitor your trans, the sender should be in the hot line to the cooler. If you want to just see cool temps and feel that your trans is not running hot, put it in the pan. Same for EGT probe. Pre turbo if you want accurate temps. If you just want to see cool temps, putting it in the tailpipe makes it run real cool.

 

[GaryKrahmer]

Thanks everyone for your help and advice.



Koe-man... No worries on the EGT probe... I have every intention to mount it pre Turbo. (That's half the ream of paper I have printed!!) I did see the picture posted by the Big White Beast of what happened if your not careful in getting out all broken bits and shavings from drilling and tapping. That put the fear of God in me so I’m covered in that area….

:--)

Now on to the Trans. . Do you know how do you intercept the hot line to the cooler??? Do I need any additional parts?

At the risk of showing my ignorance…. what line is it on a 2002, 4X4?? It's scary being a newbie working on a new truck!!



The instructions tell me how to wire the gauge but nothing about where to place the probe.



Rob…. Thanks for the info on the Pillar… I’ll put me 6’ 3” 260# frame to use “gently pulling” the pillar away! It’s just a little unnerving when you hear crunching and snapping noises!!



Rob & RBSOB... from what I've read and your input... my next gauge will be a fuel pressure gauge but right now I better stick the basics!!



Thanks everyone for their help ... and Dr. Kayak... Hopefully if this install goes well, Sunday morning I'll be passing a few miles north of you on my way up I80 to Donner lake for a week away from all this heat!!

 

[Rob Thomas]

The EGT probe goes 5/8" back from the center line of the manifold, 2" from the turbo flange. I can e-mail you a diagram if needed.





Later, Rob

 

[jtisdale]

get a test gauge

At the very least, get a test gauge for the fuel pressure. Then you can check it every couple of weeks or so. A healthy lift pump is your friend. There are several vendors that offer them. I got mine at

www.blackmountaindiesel.com

 

[GaryKrahmer]

I got the Pyro probe install nailed <--- I think!



What I really need to know is how to intercept the hot transmission line going to the cooler. Now…… I read in other post that you can go to the Dodge dealer and buy the "new line” that already has a place to screw in the sensor.

On a 2002 model is this the same line? Do I have a “Hot transmission line" that already has a place to put my sensor? Or do I need to buy this new line?

Surely someone else out there has instaslled a transmission temp sensor in a 2002, Auto. How did you do it?



I'm just trying to have all my eggs together when I do this on Saturday..... and BTW... thanks everyone for all the help!!

I would never try this on my own without your advice... .



I Love TDR!! <----- Although, my wife hate's it! It'll take time... . but she'll come around!! :-laf

 

[andrewgay]

Fuel Gauge neccessity

Being new to this, and admittedly lacking in lots of details. Why do all you hard cores recommend a fuel gauge. I have a hole in my gauge pod, but didn't order a pressure gauge yet. If I need one I'd like to add it while I am doing the others.

Post, send me a private message or email me.

Thanks one and all.

 

[fj40charles]

You need a fuel pressure gauge because the lift pumps pretty much suck and a bad lift pump will increase the injection pump failure risk since it is lubricated by fuel. Do a search on "lift pump" and see for yourself.



Charles

 

[pkane]

andrewgay, you've got empty spots in your gauge pod?!



I'm new to this as well having just upgraded from a 1/2-ton Ram to 3/4-ton diesel.



I've been dragging my feet making a decision on gauges as I want to install 4 gauges (EGT, boost, trans temp and fuel pressure) and am not sure what to do with the 4th gauge.



I know that I can get a combo EGT/boost gauge, but I'm not sure that I like it--it looks like it could be difficult to read. Other than that, putting the fuel gauge in the slot next to the stereo looks like one of the few remaining choices.



Having seen neither in person (anyone near Oxnard with one of these setups?), I've not made up my mind between A-pillar mount or dash mount.



Timeline on decision is coming to a close though as I'll be towing a 5er from Oxnard, CA to Fishlake, Utah next month.



What a great forum this is, but for a newbie though, it can be a little overwhelming.