Is my boost gauge working correctly?

[Puff]

I just installed a boost gauge (Autometer, 35#). The needle is stuck on zero until I get on it pretty good, and then it will shoot up to numbers I expect; but when just cruising along the gauge reads zero.



Do I have a small air leak, or is this the way these gauges normally work?

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Sounds fine to me, i have a 0-35psi Autometer too. You wont see any boost untill you really get on the throttle, its not the gauge, its the engine. Nothing to worry abaout

 

[Puff]

OK, thanks.

 

[Breck]

You should see 5-10 lbs. cruising at 70mph... at least that is what my gauge shows (wind/ truck configuration dependent). Spray down (mist) your fittings with a soap water solution to see if you have any leaks while the truck is idling, I found I had a small leak after installation. Hope that helps?

 

[Runaway]

I agree with Breck, you will see some boost when cruising. But it also depends where you are taking your signal from. I tapped my line directly into the air horn and see no lag. I usually will see 2 - 4 lbs of boost between 55 - 65 with no load! Others tap into the manifold down by the fuel filter and have see some lag. Just my 2 cents

 

[mediccummin]

boost gauge

I tapped into the 3/4 hole by the fuel filter and have no lag, and it reads about 9 at 70mph. You could have a leak or even a kink in your tubing, I ran my tubing through 3/8 vinyl tubing first to protect it from kinks and rubbing against the sharp edges etc. Good luck, hope it turns out ok. Dwayne.

 

[Puff]

Thanks for input.



I just got back from a weekend of towing. While towing, the boost gauge worked as I had expected it to work without a load, i. e. , smooth increase in boost as the engine starts working harder. I guess I didn’t realize how little the engine has to work when you are not pulling a load.



I will check for leaks though, since some of you do see some boost when cruising empty.



Also, I have mine connected to the intake manifold in the port next to the map sensor.

 

[SFord]

I have mine tapped into the intake horn and see 9-10 when cruising at 70 mph.

 

[ACoyle]

WHen I first put my gage in I had to really get on it to see it move. I took the gage pod apart and found a kink in the tubing. It I rev it in Park, I get a little movement I also see 9 - 10 PSI @ 70. I am assuming that your gage is mechanical.



I am also tapped into the intake air horn. Had the tap out anyway for the EGT.

 

[chuck3]

Puff01, I have mine installed by map sensor allso and see only 5 to 6 at around 70 to 75 mph running empty.