why is the westach electrical FP guage so cheap?

[chef]

when compared to any of the other mechanical guages with isolators, or the autometer electrical fuel pressure guage. anybody run it? any problems?

 

[RustyJC]

I have a Westach dual combo fuel pressure gauge that I use to monitor pre-filter and post-filter fuel pressure. I like the concept and the gauge, but the resistance-type senders are not bulletproof. In 3 years I've probably gone through 1 pre-filter senders and 6 or more post-filter senders - the pressure spikes from the VP-44 seem to knock the post-filter senders out.



Having said the above, my senders are mounted on the firewall and plumbed with AN-4 stainless steel braided hose - and yes, I have a gauge snubber on the post-filter sender. Others who use the grease gun hose method don't seem to have as many problems - the grease gun hose seems to have enough flex to attenuate the pressure spikes.



I ordered my gauge built with 0-16 PSIG scales. In retrospect, I should have gotten a 0-30 PSIG gauge and sending units as my truck (still on the original lift pump) can pin the gauges at idle.



Rusty

 

[chef]

good info, thanks. was about to place an order and had second thoughts.

 

[Bob Wagner]

my westach gauge have worked perfect since day one



combo gauge fuel pressure and transmission temp



http://www.genosgarage.com for purchasing

 

[chef]

does geno's have a catalog they send out with orders by any chance? they don't list whole product lines on their website, i just assumed they didn't carry the whole line, but then i don't see the combo fuel pressure/transmission temp guage on the site, and you've bought it so...



that is where i bought my stuff from, about $200 worth. a good start

 

[RustyJC]

I bought my gauge and senders directly from Westach. They have a wide selection of catalog gauges and will custom-build what's not in the catalog.



Rusty

 

[Horsepuller]

I have Westach gauges and are happy with them. I like the FP gauge alot. I like not having diesel fuel in the cab. The mechanical gauges have their problems too.

 

[Moose Truck]

Westach 30 PSI Gage

I love my Westach 30 PSI Gage!!! I don't like the thought of fuel in the cab. Got it thru Geno's with the "Cubby Hole Mount". For my 2000 I fabbed a mount bracket off of the Inbrd Master Cylinder mount bolt. I then used a Geno's taped banjo bolt and a NAPA grease gun hose to hook it up. Make sure you ground the sender the way it shows in the directions. I can't wait till I get the $$$. 00 for the Combo Boost and EGT gage. Santa, Moose has been a very good little moose, he even has been leaving the ricers alone. Moose

 

[Bob Wagner]

does geno's have a catalog they send out with orders by any chance? they don't list whole product lines on their website, i just assumed they didn't carry the whole line, but then i don't see the combo fuel pressure/transmission temp guage on the site, and you've bought it so...



that is where i bought my stuff from, about $200 worth. a good start

Yes, Genos has a complete catalog that is mailed with the tdr magazine and I bet if you call the toll free number, someone would mail you the catalog.



1 800 755 1715

 

[RJOL]

I've had Westach FP and Boost/EGT gauges installed for over four years now, and they have worked flawlessley. I have the 16psi gauge as I'm only interested in watching the guage for low readings. If you've modified you fuel pump system then maybe the 30psi gauge would be better, but I like the smaller scale (16psi) as it fits my pump and usually runs at between 9-13psi when running. Have fun...

 

[John - K5AWO]

Lift Pump pressure spike control - Protect your guages

..... In 3 years I've probably gone through 1 pre-filter senders and 6 or more post-filter senders - the pressure spikes from the VP-44 seem to knock the post-filter senders out... ... ... .



Rusty

There is a super cheap, easy way to cure those spikes.



All you need is six feet of RUBBER fuel hose. Don't get the stuff with braided exterior because that will defeat the purpose.



My mechanical fuel pressure guage when mounted on the post filter orfice would swing from 8-9 lbs up to about 20 lbs. That obviously will destroy any guage in a hurry.



I am now using the rubber hose to put the guage inside the cab and to snub out the pulsations. If you don't want it inside the cab, just coil it up and zip tie it loosely to the firewall area.



2nd part of the trick is do NOT bleed off the air in the hose. That is part of your pulsation damper.



Works like a charm, no needle fluctions what-so-ever. I now get a true average effective fuel pressure from my stock Cummins lift pump which is still on the engine block.



15-16 lbs at idle

10-12 lbs at 70 mph cruise

08-10 lbs at heavy throttle (2500 rpm accelerating thru gears)



As long as I see a postive pressure greater than 7-8 pounds I am not going to make any changes. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.



I do have a reserve pump plumbed in at the tank, so I won't have to get out in the rain or sweltering heat to change a fuel pump WHEN it does finally go to lift pump heaven.

 

[Joe G.]

You can get Westach FP gauges in about any pressure you want. I have a 40 PSI. I don't think Geno's lists that one in their catalog.

 

[chef]

i'm very happy with the gauge. i did find out it came with a light and i just overlooked it in the bag. happy to see that. i used it this weekend and was VERY surprised at what i saw. 16 at idle, 14 while hauling my jeep on a 16' bumper pull trailer, and 11 was the lowest i found on a WOT.



also cruised at 130 (or a little below on flat stretches at night) transmission temp, 150-160 was the highest after sitting idling for a few minutes, and my boost is healthy. just need to tap the manifold for the EGT now sure does feel good to know everything is in shape.



i also used about 18" of hose between the filter and the sender, and saw no fluctuations. it's only a few days old though so we'll see