Guages We REALLY Need?

[Buffalo]

Hi. I would appreciate any suggestions from You people "in the know". I have an '03, HO, 6-speed, 4X4. Eventually, I would like to do a 4" exhaust, freer breathing aircleaner, and a Box (like Edge EZ or something similar). I have already bought the Di-Pricol Pyro, Boost and, Temp. guages with an Autometer triple dash pod. I, occasionally, tow a 25' Nash travel trailer, weighing about 6-7000 lbs. I live in Phoenix, Az. and, where I usually camp the elevation is 9200'. Phoenix is 1100'. My question is. Would I be better-off with a Fuel Pres. guage, instead of the Temp. guage? I'm not towing that much weight and if I keep the Temp. guage, I will have to buy a Mag Hi-tech. differential cover, and possibly, some Fast-coolers for the transmission. Do You think I would be better off with the Fuel Pres. guage or the Temp. guage? I would "very much" appreciate the benefit of your wisdom and/or suggestions. Thank You, for your help. Joe Fihn (Buffalo).

 

[JohndeereG]

I am making the assumption that your rig is equipped with an auto. If so, I think you are better off monitoring your transmission temp more so that fuel pressure. With the introduction of the common rail system, the fuel delivery system has been changed. Fuel pressure monitoring with the newer trucks are not as much of a concern.



I think most folks would be surprise how quickly exhaust temps rise. For example, I was getting on the interstate this afternoon. Gradual acceleration, shift points around 2k rpm, flat road... . 1050 degrees!!!... 22 psi boost... . 65mph. Nice thing is it cooled to 650 within 1/4 mile.



Gotta get rid of that stock exhaust.

 

[Buffalo]

My truck has the 6-speed. By the way, where did you put your guages? I was just reading another thread about the "X-Monitor". Sort of looks interesting. That Autometer Triple Guage Pod doesn't look that big but, when you set it on the dash it takes up a fair amount of the viewing-area. These windshields are really long (for aerodynamics, I suppose) but, when you are in the truck, looking out, the distance from the top of the dash to the top of the windshield (viewing area) isn't that tall. I would like to mount mine in the middle of the dash, under the rear-view mirror. Not much windshield left, in that vicinity. Thank You, for your reply. Joe Fihn (Buffalo).

 

[SRadke]

I also went with the DiPricole gauges (see sig) and mounted them in the dash cubby. These are the three I'm using for now with a stock truck but I intend to add a fueling box in the near future. I have been waiting for the TST box with digital boost and pyro. If I go that route I'll be able to put a fuel pressure gauge in place of my current boost or pyro. I'll definitely be adding a fuel pressure gauge with any kind of fueling box.

-Scott

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

The only guage you really need is a Pyrometer. Monitors your exhaust gas temperatures. They can hit 1200* on a stock truck empty. If you install an box of any brand you will be able to sit at 1300* pulling your trailer. Pressure guages are only needed on trucks making over 360 HP. That would mean injectors and a box.



If you are running an auto transmission, You should also monitor trans temps. Boost is just a cool guage to watch and helps Bombed rigs monitor what is going on. Hope this helps. If you need help in your area call Fred Swanson www.desertdieselparts.com. Great guy and is very knowledgable about the 3G trucks. Greg

 

[amsoilman]

If you are going to increase power, you should have the "Pyro" as well as the "Boost" gauges. The "Fuel" pressure gauge is not really needed with the new Bosch fuel system on the 03' model trucks, as the pump is entirely different from the one used on the previous engines. I would definately use a temp gauge on an automatic, but in your case, you have the NV-5600 5-speed and there is no need to have a temp gauge on this transmission.



Just my . 02 worth.



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[nickleinonen]

a real oil pressure gauge would be nice...

 

[Tony T.]

I've seen a lot of suggestions of using a temp gauge for the auto's. I have planned to install one on my 03 CTD that has the auto. Can any of you give me some numbers as far as normal operating temps what to be concerned about. Maybe temp readings city,highway, loaded, unloaded.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

Mine used to run at 180*

 

[SRadke]

Greg-

Just a Bullydog box puts a HO truck right close to 400 hp without injectors. I've also heard of the fuel pressure being pulled down pretty low on these trucks as well.

-Scott



Here's the post:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=80698

 

[RSnaith]

Hey guys, just because the injection system has changed does not mean that the fuel pressure gauge is any less important. Quite frankly its as important to have one as it was in the VP44 equipped trucks. The CP3 still uses diesel for pump lubrication, and while the lift pumps are holding out longer, they are not as capable as the old lifts were.



An Edge EZ in the 80 pony setting can drop your fuel pressure to 0, especially if you've got a few miles on the fuel filter. During the course of testing over the past few months, I've run my CP3 out of fuel 5 times. We need to pull it apart and see what damage has been done.



Long and short of it: If you're keeping your truck stock, you probably won't need the FP gauge, just EGT. If you plan on even bombing a bit, EGT, boost, and FP to the exclusion of all else, especially on a 6 speed equipped truck. The 6 speeds really don't get hot until weights are well up there, so a transmission temp is a waste of time. Even the autos don't get that warm until loaded down pretty good (unless you're towing 10K in OD).

 

[Elite1]

I recently ordered di-pricol gauges (haven't got them yet)... I orderd the EGT, Boost & temp, since I have the 6spd trans, I was considering installing the temp probe to the rearend. (on my 96' I blew out the rearend so would like to monitor this one) How difficult will this be? Will I have to drill and tap the differential, or is there an easier way?

 

[Buffalo]

Guages

Elite 1, You might consider going with the Mag Hy-tech Differential Cover. It has a port already tapped and plugged for the temp. sending unit and it holds more gear oil. It also, has a drain plug and a dip stick and is designed for cooling the oil. I've just been trying to figure out if it's more important to have the fuel pres. guage or the oil temp. guage. Hope this helps. Joe Fihn(Buffalo)