Mechanical Vs Electrical Gauges
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Senior User
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From: NC
Mechanical Vs Electrical Gauges
Hey all, tried to do a search but can't really find anything here or on the interweb that explains it layman enough for me.
Basically, I'm planning to add a fuel pressure gauge in the next couple of months (read as next major project). I've been looking into the Autometers, as I know they're reliable and all that good jazz.
Question is, what is the physical differences between mechanical and electrical, and which is simpler to install, more reliable, and what is needed to install either? Any help is very much appreciated as I'm trying to get my gauge this month and get it installed very soon.
Basically, I'm planning to add a fuel pressure gauge in the next couple of months (read as next major project). I've been looking into the Autometers, as I know they're reliable and all that good jazz.
Question is, what is the physical differences between mechanical and electrical, and which is simpler to install, more reliable, and what is needed to install either? Any help is very much appreciated as I'm trying to get my gauge this month and get it installed very soon.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
Ok. Boost gauge I can see, not fuel pressure, but. Advantage to electrical gauge would be not running a physical line carrying fuel to cab, eliminating a source of danger. While I usually run mechanical gauges, they are simply replacing stock gauges not known for their accuracy. With all new Autometers, electrical should be fine and less danger of leaks.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
Just a quick look at one says includes sender and wiring. I'm sure you would have to provide a port for the sender if you do not have one already. Then the issue of mounting location. In dash, pod mount etc.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Southern California
Hey all, tried to do a search but can't really find anything here or on the interweb that explains it layman enough for me.
Basically, I'm planning to add a fuel pressure gauge in the next couple of months (read as next major project). I've been looking into the Autometers, as I know they're reliable and all that good jazz.
Question is, what is the physical differences between mechanical and electrical, and which is simpler to install, more reliable, and what is needed to install either? Any help is very much appreciated as I'm trying to get my gauge this month and get it installed very soon.
Basically, I'm planning to add a fuel pressure gauge in the next couple of months (read as next major project). I've been looking into the Autometers, as I know they're reliable and all that good jazz.
Question is, what is the physical differences between mechanical and electrical, and which is simpler to install, more reliable, and what is needed to install either? Any help is very much appreciated as I'm trying to get my gauge this month and get it installed very soon.
Mechanical are slightly more responsive (fractions of a second) than electric- and with the exception of fuel, run fluid carrying line directly to the gauge.
For street cars- electric is all you need-- if a mech hose breaks it makes the inside very messy!
In summary,
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So, I was kinda leaning towards electric before hand, but now I really am. Thank y'all for the help!!
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I will never again use the white plastic hose for an oil pressure line but insist on the copper stuff , which you can get in the small 1/8" diameter.
'80 Futura we swapped the 6 for a 302 , fun little car , anyway the line went brittle after a few years and we accidentally snapped it . Good thing we had the hood up and noticed it before the oil was gone .
'80 Futura we swapped the 6 for a 302 , fun little car , anyway the line went brittle after a few years and we accidentally snapped it . Good thing we had the hood up and noticed it before the oil was gone .
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,019
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From: SoCal
It could use a pressure transducer, like an electric oil or fuel pressure gauge. What kind of line does the mechanical boost gauge use? If it bursts while in use, it's not nearly as dangerous as an oil or fuel line bursting.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,019
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From: SoCal
The boost gauge will be measuring manifold pressure, which could be below (vacuum) or above (boost) atmospheric pressure. You can just use a vacuum gauge with scales above and below zero reading, and plumb it into a manifold vacuum port. Of course, if you will be running a lot of boost, you may need a way to make sure the vacuum lines (or plugs and caps) don't pop off their nipples.
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