Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Installation of fuel pressure gage, 2001 - 2500 Cummins engine

[WPowers]

Can anyone direct me to articles inTDR (issue numbers) as to the installation of fuel pressure gage and what experiences you have had. My truck is pure stock. It has 70,00 miles and has had two lift pumps installed. The first one was replaced under warranty at 28,751 miles. That one developed a fuel leak to the outside. It was replaced at 49,480 miles. I have had no problems to this point with this current pump. However, I do not want to have to replace the VP44.

 

[CKelley1]

get a BF-LONG-TAPED banjo bolt from genosgarage.com for $7 a oil pressure gauge installation kit with the copper line from autozone for $11 and a 0-30 psi glycerin filled gauge from ww granger for $15 replace the banjo bolt on the vp44, route the tube through the firewall and mount the gauge by the shifter. now you have the best, most reliable. if you want to waste money on pretty just remember the vp44 is the worst on vibration. if you get a high dollar pretty gauge you need to add a needle valve or snubber

 

[JLandry]

WPowers,

I have to respectfully disagree with CKelely1 and suggest it's never a good idea to bring fuel... even less-volatile diesel... into the cab of an enclosed vehicle. The first time a leak stinks up your truck, you'll wish you hadn't. Whether or not you use a mechanical or electric gauge, it's far better to use an isolator in the engine compartment, and from there, route an antifreeze-filled pressure line through the firewall into the cab.

He's correct about the VP44 fuel injection pump pressure vibrations wrecking havoc on delicate gauges. Definitely use a snubber or small needle valve to dampen out these pressure waves, or whatever gauge or sender you ultimately use won't last very long.

Having had both a mechanical and now an electric fuel pressure gauge in my truck, I much prefer the simplicity and cleanliness of the electric. I repeatedly had small leaks develop with pressure line leading to a mechanical gauge and finally threw in the towel.

Personally I very much like the design, look, and quality of Isspro EV2 fuel pressure gauges. Current EV2 gauges contain a red LED warning light which can be programmed (using a PC and Isspro software) to illuminate when pressure drops or rises above a set point. Isspro gauges are manufactured, supported, and serviced here in the USA.

Best regards,

John L.

 

[VolsFan]

I don't know an issue number dealing with this issue, but if you do a search on here there will be a lot of helpful information. I had a westach electric gauge in my old truck installed in the cubby hole. On my current ride, I have the Isspro EV2 gauge Jlandry talks about, it is installed in the donut mount by my shifter. All the parts were purchased from Genos. The gauge, snubber, and universal Vulcan line. I had a few minor issues that Jlandry helped me out with.

 

[SnoKing]

I installed a mechanical gauge with an isolator. I had a hose company make up a 18" hose and used a taped banjo bolt in the bottom of the filter housing at a place to measure pressure post filter. Isolator is mounted to the master cylinder(lower center of first photo. Gauge is in the extra pod on the A-pillar. Has worked fine for 9 years. Chris

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[CKelley1]

jlandry the isolator is a troublesome piece of junk that will defiantly fail and most use water antifreeze mix and when it fails lets the water migrate back to the pump. for the last 80 to 90 years all trucks and equipment has gauges with fuel and oil to the gauge. I do not trust the plastic line kit but the copper line one I have used for 43 years, with the vast amount of equipment we have with factory installed gauges and our installed gauges we have never had a problem. for electric gauge you need to do similar, the engine vibration along with the vp44 pulsing will cause very early failure in the sensor. if you think you can not have fuel to the cab or you have a monitor like the commander or edge mount the sender on the firewall with the copper line kit and snubber or needle valve.
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[ebezdek]

John L. ,

Just read your comments (10-28-13) re: fuel pressure gauge. I have just had the VP44 fuel injector pump replaced ($2,200) . The shop checked the fuel pressure to pump. It was 10 psi at idle and below 5 psi when I revved it standing still. I am missing the kick I used to have prior to replacement. Upgrades are 4" exhaust and S&B air filter kit. I have boost and exhaust temp gages. I am real worried the lift pump in the tank is getting weak. This was installed in March 2007. Would appreciate your feedback. Long time member of TDR. Geno's has that Isspro gauge--model # ?

Regards,

Ed Bezdek


2001- 2500 4x4 SLT, H. O. 5. 9L, 6spd, 3. 55 limited slip, DrawTite brake controller, T&J's turbo back 4" exhaust, S&B air box,
Auto Meter exhaust & boost gauges, new vibration damper, 111 k on the odometer (in town towing), camper & towing pkg
6,000 lb construction tool trailer

 

[SnoKing]

When I replaced my VP44 with a MidWest Fuel injection unit, one of the warranty conditions was that a new lift pump was installed at the same time!!!

That is to low! Fix it ASP. Chris

 

[JR]

Yep, even 10 psi is too low. Just a tick above 14 psi is the magic number IMO as this allows the lp fuel pressure to overcome the overflow valve on the return of the VP and allow fuel to circulate rather than just dead head at the VP. All aftermarket lift pumps and even the OEM lift pumps circulate fuel, why would you not want to do the same with the VP... .



On mechanical vs electric, I suppose its a matter of opinion but I prefer the simplicity and reliability of mechanical. My uncle has used high pressure air brake line in his Pete for many many years and never had a problem. Burst pressure is something like 200 psi (cant remember exactly) and is rated for fuel as well. I run a $6 needle valve off the top of my canister to the air line, wrapped the line where it goes through the firewall to prevent any cuts and into my guage. The needle valve acts as a snubber to protect the gauge, simply crack it open until it just starts to register and call it good.

To each his own... .

 

[JLandry]

I am missing the kick I used to have prior to replacement.

Hi Ed,



Can you please elaborate on this? Do you mean you feel the engine is producing less horsepower?



If yes, I wonder if the shop possibly installed the wrong model of VP44... like one meant for the non-HO version engine?

Geno's has that Isspro gauge--model # ?

I'm using Isspro part number R-17033.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[waleeed]

BF-LONG-TAPED banjo bolt from genosgarage.com for $7 a oil pressure gauge installation kit with the copper line from autozone for $11 and a 0-30 psi glycerin filled gauge from ww granger for $15 replace the banjo bolt on the vp44, route the tube through the firewall and mount the gauge by the shifter. now you have the best, most reliable. if you want to waste money on pretty just remember the vp44 is the worst on vibration. if you get a high dollar pretty gauge you need to add a needle valve or snubber