Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Guage installation

[darkhorse]

I got my new Westach combo gage from Geno's yesterday. It comes with a really nice installation kit. Only one problem is they seem to have left out the page with instructions for removing the dash fascia. Any one got any tips on the removal for a '01. Any hidden screws or is it all clips. Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Richard

 

[JFinke]

Turn all the heater nobs to high and pull them off. If the dash has any screws they are visable. I don't think there are though. Tilt your wheel all the way down and carefully pull the plastic off. The clips can be a real pain to break loose sometimes. I pull the piece below the wheel usually and it has three screws on it at the bottom.

 

[PABRUCKMAN]

HEY DARKHORSE

I GOT AN 01 AND I PULLED MINE OFF TODAY FOR GAUGE

INSTALLATION MOVE THE STEER, WHEEL DOWN AND GEAR LEVER

IF AUTO TO 1st GEAR THEN USE A SREWDRIVER AND ON THE

EDGES AND PRY LOOSE BE A LIITLE CAREFULL THERE ARE NO

SCREWS TO TAKE OUT IT JUST POPS OUT CLIPS HOLD IT IN.

I KNOW ITS SCAREY.



PABRUCKMAN

 

[darkhorse]

Thanks guys! This truck still looks new & I don't want to break anything. I'll be giving your suggestions a try this afternoon.

Richard

 

[darkhorse]

I got the trick of popping the dash out. It was frightening the first time but the second was easy. Feeding the wires & boost tube down around the instrument palel was tricky but a coat hanger "fish" worked. I got the hollow manifold bolt installed & tried the boost gauge but I got no reading. The tube must be kinked somewhere. I'll have to wait for an improvement in the weather to install the pyro sensor in the exhaust manifold.

 

[Oil Burner]

Darkhorse:

Were you driving under a load when you checked the boost gauge? It will read "zero" unless you are accelerating or under load.

-Jason

 

[darkhorse]

Thanks for the input Jason. I discovered the problem is that the Westach boost gauge needs 12volts supplied at all times. Silly me I hadn't read all the instructions. I'm now looking for an easy way to get to the back of the fuse block, or is there an easier place to tap into a 12 volt ingition circut wire. I guess ignition wouldn't be the correct term in the case of a diesel. I think I have found a source of electricity for gauge illumination, off the light sweich cluster, but that's all hot wiath the headlight swich not the key.

 

[Oil Burner]

Darkhorse,

I get my 12v power two ways. I have a painless wiring circuit added to the truck. I recommend these because they don't place a load on your existing wiring. Also, I get constant 12v power from my fuse block (on the side of the dash). I got a piggy-back fuse from Pep Boys. They allow the factory connection to work, but supply fused power to your addition. Some guys don't like them and say they may vibrate out... I have had no problems for about 2 years. Just my . 02.



I forgot about Westach. I have a fuel pressure gauge from them now. They like power (12v). I had good luck with it but will replace it with a matching 30psi isspro mechanical gauge when the weather permits. jUst too darn cold right now.



Oh, yeah. You can get your illumination lights the same way. Unless you have already made a permanent connecition on the light switch itself.

-Jason

 

[darkhorse]

Thanks Jason. I think I'll give the piggy-back fuse a try.

 

[Rockcrusher]

The piggy backs work fine. Been using mine over a year.

 

[856.9]

I tapped the cigarette lighter for a constant 12, and the ashtray light for the guage lights.

 

[rfcom]

Actually, the cigarette lighter is switched. The power outlet is constant. Regards.



Jim