what gauges and why

[NSperduto]

When I get my '04. I'm planning on a trans temp gauge, just because I'm paranoid about blowing my auto trans. The one in my Dakota has been pretty weak over the years, so I'd like to monitor the temp of this one.



Now I hear alot of folks say to run a boost gauge and a EGT gauge.



What do each of them do and why do I really need them. Is it something that you really need to monitor, or is it just something that cool to have.



I think the EGT monitors the temp of the exhaust after the turbo, and I'm told you can monitor that gauge and I think let the truck idle until the temp comes down. But I guess my question is how much does the temp vary and is this a big thing to worry about.



Now the boost gauge monitors turbo boost. What's the benefit to monitoring it?



Thanks,

Nick

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by NSperduto



I think the EGT monitors the temp of the exhaust after the turbo, and I'm told you can monitor that gauge and I think let the truck idle until the temp comes down. But I guess my question is how much does the temp vary and is this a big thing to worry about.



Now the boost gauge monitors turbo boost. What's the benefit to monitoring it?



Thanks,

Nick

Nick, most of us have the EGT thermocouple mounted pre-turbo in the exhaust manifold. The temperature varies greatly and changes rapidly up and down, especially when you are towing a heavy load. You can also monitor the exhaust temperature before you shut it down and help out the turbo longivity.



I like to keep an eye on my boost because it gives me a pretty good idea of how much fuel is being used, more boost=more fuel. If you are interested in economy you can try to keep your boost relatively low.



If you are not planning to work the truck by towing, etc, you really do not need any gauges at all. On the other hand, they are fun to watceven if you are just driving around .



Dean

 

[NSperduto]

I'll be doing quite a bit of towing of a camper that will weigh about 8k.

 

[Dean Upson]

Go for it, Nick . Geno's has a nice (imo) A-pillar pod that matches the color of our trucks and the Di-Pricol gauges are a pretty decent match for our factory installation. I have the two gauge set up (boost and egt).

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Dean

 

[NSperduto]

If I go three gauges I'm thinking one on the pillar and two on teh column.

I need the grab handle, I'm a short guy. 5'3"



Thanks for the pic though.

 

[Dean Upson]

I'm pretty tall, 5'5" and have always used wheel, never used the handle so I don't miss it at all . I didn't get the column gauges because they block some of the dash display.



Dean

 

[WadePatton]

Search for gauges--you'll get about 1000 hits.



transmission temp--I've never monitored.



EGT--Pre-turbo is a must for pulling anything bigger than a lawnmower. You'll have to add some fueling/timing to get it up there much--provided all is well. Post turbo-is ONLY good for cooldown--and much better for than that the pre-turbo probe. If I could have only one it would be pre.



Boost--kinda fun watching it swing, and as mentioned above, high boost equals high fuel consumption. NOW for a really good reason--what if a boost leak develops? Or your turbo gives up? Or something else goes fishy?



Once you get used to your usual numbers on these gauges, you'll know at a glance that everything is working as Cummins intended. Low boost will lead to high EGT. You'll pick up that there is a problem with one of the other gauges LONG BEFORE you figger it out otherwise.



I feel half naked when driving CTD's without gauges. Ever drive a car without a tach?



The downside is that it makes some people want to race you--or in my case NOT want to race.