Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need help- VP44 mounted fuel pressure gauge

[DirkSanders]

Hey gang,

I'm installing Autometers new 0-30 FP gauge and FASS system.

The gauge is electrical, and it looks like the only way the sending unit is going to live is to not mount it on the engine. I want to run a fuel line from the VP44 to a remote mount for the sending unit on the firewall.



What fuel line do I need to do this? Do I remove the schrader valve from the VP44 and screw it on there? Is the VP44 hook-up a 1/8" NPT, like the sending unit?

Any other thoughts?



Brad said the FASS has a port for a gauge hook-up, but I thought the pressure at the VP44 was more important. Not sure if/how much it would vary though, since the FASS by-passes the stock LP and filter...



Thanks!

Dirk

 

[Supermod56]

Geno's Garage has exactly what you need, an 18" hose with the schrader adapter on one end, and a female 1/8 pipe on the other for the sending unit.



Tom

 

[Hohn]

This hose ^^^ is perfect for what you want to do. I'd extend it with some grease gun hose to dampen the vibrations from the VP. The pulses have been known to kill sending units...



JLH

 

[DirkSanders]

Hmmm... . I got an e-mail notification that there was a response to this thread, and it's not here.



Anyway, now I'm thinking that it might be better to mount the sending unit right at the FASS. Anyone done this?



Also, how cold does it need to be outside before the factory fuel heater is a factor? Brad suggests bypassing the stock lift pump and filter housing completely. I understand the FASS has a heater set-up, but since it's heated by engine coolant, it won't be any help at start-up.

I'm in Kansas, and it doesn't get super cold here.



Thanks for the replies so far!

 

[rweis]

I do a post OEM filter fp electric (Westach solid state sensor) and have had some problems with the 18" subber line. Over 2 years I have had to replace the sensor 2 times (Westach replaced them both at no charge). I had used an 18" ss braided line to the sensor.



One school of thought is the ss line is too stiff and the regular rubber line is better because it is more flexable.



I went a different route. I put a LONG snubber line (120") NOT wrapped in a smooth coil trying to dampen out any pulses from the VP. I hope sheer volume (13. 25 cu in) and not symetrical coil will solve the sensor killer.



One plus to the long coil is since it is 3" from the VP input and the other end is by the anti lock brake lines (2002) I use it to bleed air after filter change. Loosen the sensor fitting, bump the lp, bleed the air, tighten the sensor while the lp is still running. You have to have a rag around the connection and be READY to tighten the connection quickly because the lp will spray out a good bit of fuel in just a second or two at 12 psi. Then she cranks right up. No "trying" to get air out of the fuel system.



Only have 3 months on the different length, so nothing conclusive yet.



Just some ideas,



Bob Weis

 

[DavidD]

Dirk, Have yhou installed the fass system yet? I am considering one and would like to know who yours works. did you notice any dif. and how was the instalation. Have you seen a change in the noise of the engine? Would appreciate your comments, DaveD

 

[MKizziah]

FASS FP install

Dirk,

I believe your FASS will come with the all fittings you need for an arrary of different installation senarios. Mine did.

After loosing a VP44, I went extremist, I got a dual FP guage setup . Mechanical isolators, mounted on the firewall. I connected the isolators to the banjo fittings on the inlet and outlet sides of the stock filter housing. Wanted to retain the sensors in the stock filter housing, and another filter can't hurt. I can now detect a clogged stock filter or impeded fuel flow to the VP44 from the cab.

I did need to pick some brass fittings for the 1/8 tubing the runs from filter to the isolators. about $10 from ACE hardware.

I also duplexed the EGT guages (dual westach ), sensors pre and post turbo. My wife is somewhat intimidated by all the guages, so I added adjustable threshold idiot lights on the EGT gauges. ( no reflection of her intelligence, hell she got thrown out of MENSA for having a personality . . lol) on the EGT gauges. Real simple circuit, parts about $3 for radio shack. If anyone interest I can send them the schematic.

Food for thought,

Cheers,
MAtt

 

[DirkSanders]

Thanks guys.



Dave: The FASS system is installed. We installed the fp sending unit into the FASS system. (It has a gauge port. ) Since we by-passed the stock LP and filter, I'm thinking the fuel pressure should be pretty close to the same at the lift pump as it is at the FASS gauge port. Anyway, it's holding solid at 16psi, and doesn't even drop to 15psi at WOT.



The install took some time, but we were moving slowly and carefully. It's not particularly difficult. I love the fact that the stock lift pump is out of the picture! I thought it would be really loud when we were first priming it, but after it was done, I can't hear it at all with the engine running.



I am impressed. The truck has a noticable difference in power- not big, but noticeable- and I do notice that it idles smoother. Some of the power increase could be due to a lift pump going out- again...

I can't speak as to the longevity of the unit, but so far I really like it.

 

[DavidD]

Dirk, Thanks for the info. i am going to go ahead with the FASS system. I have had a convincing e-mail from Matt as well so it sounds good to me, Thanks Dave