Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Yet another fuel pressure gauge story

[WMeyers]

I paid a local company to install my first fuel pressure gauge and unhappily, in spite of my specifying otherwise, ended up with a sender hung directly from a tapped banjo bolt at the bottom of the filter (not remote mounted). That sender lasted 20,000 miles. In spite of having NO mechanical ability, I decided to replace it myself and now have a 24 inch hose from the banjo bolt PLUS a snubber PLUS a 0-30 lb sender instead of the original 0-16 lb one (i. e. , I used every theory I’ve ever read on this forum on how to extend the life of the sender). In spite of that I wouldn’t make a bet that this sender will last longer than the first one but I can hope! Now a question -- I see a lot of posts here basically saying electrical senders are inherently unreliable; given that, why have I never had a problem with a factory installed oil pressure sender on this or any other vehicle I’ve ever driven?

 

[24V-DSL]

I hear you. Most here do not like electric FP guages for the reasons you state. I've had an Autometer electric guage for over three years. I did have to replace the original sender a few months ago, but it had lasted for probably 80K miles. It is mounted remotely on inside drivers fender just above the fuse box. When I replaced it I also installed a snubber as now recommended by Autometer. Works fine, and I'm keeping it. Also, Autometer told me the other day they are now offering an electric 0-30 psi guage as well as the 0-15 I now have. But, Autometer electrics are spendy... . $214 for the 0-30 thru Summit.

 

[Thomas]

... PLUS a 0-30 lb sender instead of the original 0-16 lb one...

Besides the huge error in gauge reading, what's the purpose of the mismatch between gauge face and sender?



I have two Westach senders (0-16 psi) that have given me 60,000+ trouble free miles, one mounted at the inlet and one mounted at the outlet of the filter housing on my model year 2000 Ram. They are connected to tapped banjo bolts with 18" lengths of eighth-inch fuel hose.

 

[WMeyers]

Thomas -- I replaced the gauge so it would match the sender. Hope I get 60,000 miles!

 

[Thomas]

I hope you do. My senders are mounted aft of the PDC, plumbed as described. They don't bounce around any more than the battery, PDC, or onything else tied to the truck body. I suspect shaking with the engine along with nothing to dampen pressure pulses between the filter and VP44 may have contributed to the failure you experienced.

 

[WMeyers]

You're probably right -- but I suspect that the oil pressure sender on this and most vehicles is shaking?

 

[lsenus]

Did Autometer givve you a partnumber on the th 0-30 elec FP gauge? I've had my 0-15 elec. on for about 50K with no problems so far. But I would like to get the 30 PSI range.

 

[abdiver]

Where do I find the proper (suggested) way to install a Fuel Pressure gage ?



Thanks

Bill

 

[PatrickCampbell]

What is a snubber and where do I get it? Just installed a 0-15 PSI AutoMeter ultra lite. Not too impressed with it's random hunting so far.

 

[WMeyers]

A snubber is a device that cushions sudden pressure changes; frequently they use porous metal discs with very small holes. I got mine online from McMaster Carr as they were the only one I could find that had one that was brass 1/8 NPT

 

[WMeyers]

abdiver -- If you search "fuel pressure gauge" you'll get a LOT of opinions on how to install one. For the electronic variety it seems the most common suggestion is to install it remotely from the engine/fuel pump vibration using a hose. Some think a snubber is needed and some think the 0 -30 lb variety may last longer than 0-16. I connected mine to a tapped banjo bolt at the bottom of the fuel filter using a custom hose but Geno's now sells a hose to connect easily to the test port on the high pressure pump and they also now have a replacement top for the fuel filter that has a tap for a gauge sender (although that would be measuring the pressure before the filter rather than post filter).

 

[TMills]

I have had mine for just under a year and 20,000 miles. I works just like it did originally. Mine is mounted to the brake booster and is connected with the hose supplied by Genos.

 

[Hillbilly Hotrodder]

... ... Now a question -- I see a lot of posts here basically saying electrical senders are inherently unreliable; given that, why have I never had a problem with a factory installed oil pressure sender on this or any other vehicle I’ve ever driven?

I think if you'll search here, you'll find the oil pressure sending unit on these trucks to be quite unreliable. The Cummins shakes them to pieces.

 

[ILIANBG]

Hey guys, I researched about the Autometer fuel pressure gauges and foud out that the 0-15psi unit (any of their series) is not designed for diesel applications, which is why Geno's do NOT offer it any more. They had a lot of problems with them I guess.

Autometer now offers 0-30psi electric gauge , designed for diesel, ssuposed to be very accurate, and yes, those are expensive. Go to www.dieselperformanceparts.com , they've got it, the price is $ 213. 71. I am installing a Westach 0-30psi with the tapped fuel filter cap, hopefully it lasts.

 

[Briman]

Well, I put mine on the bottom of the fuel filter canister on purpose. Its a 30 lb sender from westach. I did it to keep things simple. I'll see how long it lasts. The gauge does not jump around with the stock lift pump. Will see how that goes with AirDog install after xmas. If it fails fairly quickly I'll have to go to the remote mount with a hose. I put around 36k miles on the truck this year so it may not make it a year. Hope it has a one year warranty.

 

[RMecum]

I'm getting ready to install WESTACH guages in my '01. I found the snubbers on the McMaster website... which one do I need? They have several options. I'm thinking the 10 micron is what I need. It's for water and light oils... any thoughts.



Also, any definitive "best place" for the FP sender... top of fuel filter, shader valve etc...



Mike

 

[WMeyers]

I used the 10 micron. It was part number 4034K61 Brass 1/8 NPT for $6. 85 plus $4 shipping. That part number was no longer listed on the web site but it took it and the paperwork when I received it said same as 4034K1.

I'm not sure what the "best place" is. My set up is 1) tapped banjo bolt at bottom of fuel filter then 2) 24 inch hose then 3) snubber then 4) Westach 0-30 sender.