Oil Pressure Gauge

[Bernie]

I posted this in motors, but I'm not sure if it belongs there are here, so I'm posting it again.



OK, So I've been reading the gauge on my 06 is a "feel good" gauge with no actual measurement other than is there more than 6 psi of pressure, so my question is this:



Can I hyjack the signal that feeds the stock gauge and connect to a sensor that actually reports the real oil pressure? I think it would be a cooler and cleaner install compared to aftermarket gauges.



Any thoughts?

 

[JGheen]

There is an 1/8" NPT plug on top of the oil filter housing that is primo for running a mechnical oil pressure gauge. It's up to you if you want to plumb it directly into the cab or run an isolator. I have been meaning to do this on my '98 12v but have not got around to it lately.



Joe

 

[CMNS PWR]

I have been parousing over ISSPRO's site about their mechanical op gauge. They recommend using a pressure tubing kit. It's just a nylon hose that is used for any pressure gauge. I am skeptical about running hot oil through such a small hose. However, nylon melts between 365*F and 490*F, just doing a quick search.



I am planning on running straight to the cab with a needle valve on the filter housing in case any leaks arise.

 

[MMeier]

Scrap that nylon crap! Use copper, or if $$$ permit, braided stainless instead.

 

[skipro3]

Remember; oil is not running through that line. Well, unlesss it's leaking at the gauge that is. I don't even think you bleed the line to get air out of it. By just hooking it up to a pressure source, the first time you fire it up, cold engine, that line will pressurize with cold oil. Then it will stay that way since there is no flow. Only the migrating heat from the mounting location is going to transmitt heat to the nylon line.

I use nylon lines in many high pressure gas situations in my work. Mostly nitrogen. It's exposed to extreem weather conditions for going on decades with no problems at all. We do use a black nylon line and not clear, so I don't know if that makes a difference.

 

[Bernie]

Good suggestions, but

I am looking to use what Dodge already has in the dash, just make it accurate and meaningful. unfortunately, the in dash stock gauge is electrical, so doing a mechanical gauge wouldn't accomplish that.

 

[JasonCzerak]

or just pony up a few extra dollars and get the electrical one, just run 3 little wires to your gauge.

 

[Bernie]

Yes, that's the idea

I want to get an electrical sending unit and connect it to the stock gauge. I am looking for advice on doing that. What sending units are out there? (I'm fairly new to Dodge and CTDs, so I'm not yet familiar with the aftermarket parts vendors).



I know it would be easier to just put a pod on my dash with another oil pressure gauge, but I don't want to clutter up my interior when there is a "gauge" in the dash already that isn't being used for anything meaningful.



I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had this thought. -Does anyone make a kit to do this?

-If no, has anybody done it on their own?

-Any info on the what is the motor in the stock oil pressure gauge?



Thanks!

 

[JasonCzerak]

I want to get an electrical sending unit and connect it to the stock gauge. I am looking for advice on doing that. What sending units are out there? (I'm fairly new to Dodge and CTDs, so I'm not yet familiar with the aftermarket parts vendors).



I know it would be easier to just put a pod on my dash with another oil pressure gauge, but I don't want to clutter up my interior when there is a "gauge" in the dash already that isn't being used for anything meaningful.



I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had this thought. -Does anyone make a kit to do this?

-If no, has anybody done it on their own?

-Any info on the what is the motor in the stock oil pressure gauge?



Thanks!

I do not thing, unless you are an electrical engineer taht you can just easly plug in an electrical sending unit to the guage cluster. I bet that guages talks a difference language then the autometer stuff. possibly different volatage ranges, but differnet non the less.

 

[brods]

Any thoughts?

Good luck.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=153168

 

[Bernie]

That is what I figured, and that is the information I was looking for.



I was an electrical engineering major at RIT for two years before changing directions in major. I don't have any of the really complex electrical engineering classes, but I've got most of the basics covered (and I worked as an sales engineer and tech at a systems integrator for a few years).



I guess my next step it to take it apart and backwards engineer something. I've got about 100 other projects going on right now, so that will be a while.



I'm still hoping someone will come through with the info. It has to be out there. Anybody work at a dealer and have access to their manuals that might cover the gauge cluster?



Thanks

 

[Bernie]

Brods,



Thanks for the link. I know that someone out there has the electrical engineering chops to do this (are you reading this Bully Dog, Banks, etc). I may be wrong, but here is how I think it could be done:



-The gauge currently moves based on what the computer "thinks" the pressure should be.

-Install an actual electronic pressure sending unit

-Feed that unit in to a box that then converts the signal in to what the gauge is looking for

-Send that to the gauge.



I know I just over simplified the process, but I can't be far off. The only hardware would be a unit that translateds the voltage from a standard pressure sending unit in to a "network" signal that can be sent to the gauge through the vehicle network.



If the car security and remote start people can make a module for $70 that hooks in to the network and gives you standard two wire connections for arm, disarm, lock, unlock, tach, door position, and a dozen other features I'm sure somebody could build what I'm proposing.



Just a thought.