Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) mechanical fuel pressure gauge

[mdlowry]

I recently replaced my lift pump. After the install, my autometer electric fuel pressure gauge sending unit broke. I'm thinking of replacing it with a mechanical gauge. My boost and EGT gauges are the autometer Z-series (black with black bezel), and I'm looking for a 0-60psi gauge to replace it with. Is there a gauge in this range that will look something like this (or at least not completely out of place)? The pressure sensor is currently on the VP44. Can I use this connection for the new gauge and would this be a direct swap or will I need some extra parts? For those that have already done this, did you use the isolator?

 

[jtisdale]

Isn't 0-60 sweep kinda overkill? I have an autometer mechanical fuel pressure gauge in the A pillar 0-15 sweep. Yes, I did use an isolator under the hood. All SS braided lines, and no snubbers. Works great. I am hooked at the outlet side of the fuel filter. I did experience fluctuation when I had it hooked to the vp44. You will need a tapped banjo bolt (and washers) to hook up the fuel line that will go to the isolator. I am not familiar with the electric set-ups.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I am running a 0-35psi Auto Meter Boost gauge and it is plumbed with Stainless braided hose from the VP-44 port. Been there over a year and it works great. Really no need for an Isolator in a diesel application. I bought the line from Andy at www.smokindiesel.com The fittings are already installed, just hook it up and go.

 

[jtisdale]

Originally posted by EMDDIESEL

Really no need for an Isolator in a diesel application.

Dont you ever worry about leaks or a line breaking?

 

[EMDDIESEL]

The line is rated for 2,000psi, so the chances of it bursting with 15psi of fuel are non-exsistant. As for the gauge, catastrophic failure is EXTREMELY rare and that is at high pressures.

Your worst case scenario is a slow drip of diesel. No fire hazard since diesel fuel, Unlike gasoline is not going to erupt in a fireball. All you would have to do is unhook the fuel line from the VP-44 with an adjustable wrench and put the core back in. No big deal.

We have mechanical pressure gauges on 2 million dollar locomotives that run at over 100psi and when they fail, they just stop working, they dont leak.

 

[mdlowry]

Originally posted by jtisdale

Isn't 0-60 sweep kinda overkill?

Yes. What I was trying to write was 0-30psi.

 

[illflem]

I feel SS braided line is the overkill. I just use mech oil pressure gauge nylon tubing, set you back $10. 5 years on my trucks without a drip and many years on others I've installed. 30+ dripless years with the same tubing reading 60 psi of hot oil pressure on some of my older rigs. Mechanical FP gauge is the only way to go, electrical senders fail quite often.

 

[jtisdale]

I agree with the SS lines being overkill too, but they came with the kit, so I used them. Besides, it looks cool, too.