Most Important Gauges
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Eastern PA
Most Important Gauges
I have a 1995 f250, 5.8, EOD4, 214k miles. My Oil pressure and Water temp gauges are shot. I am looking into getting some mechanical gauges. i know I want new Oil pressure and water temp. gauges. I was also think Trans Temp and Oil Temp. Are these worthing gauges to have. I have heard a lot about pyro gauges, but all seem to be under PSD forums. Are they for PSD only? Am I missing a important gauge i should look into needing. I have found some posts that cover this type of info, but nothing that really talked about the importance of each gauge in a gas engine. I beleive mechanical gauges are prefered over electrical gauges ??
Sorry for the long post.. Trying to figure out my next step !!!
Thanks
Jason
Sorry for the long post.. Trying to figure out my next step !!!
Thanks
Jason
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Back where I started...
I like having Water Oil and Trans Temp, Oil Pressure, and Volt and/or Ammeters. From Experience, Mechanical seems to be SLIGHTLY more accurate, but really, how much does that matter. My guages have a certain point in the sweep where they seem to stay. If they move from that spot, then I kinda watch them closer. Really, what does it matter if your water temp is 250 or 240 degrees; it's still awful hot. Good luck.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Eastern PA
I seem to be on the same page as you. But is the difference of a Volt or Ammeter, don't they both measure the battery charge? Is it benifical to have both? For the meantioned temp gauges. I have seen some they stat water temp, are there ones that say oil temp, trans temp, or do I look for on that just says temp and label them some other way.. Are mechanical more reliable then Electrical ?? Not acturate, reliable? Is one easier to hook up then the other?? Sorry for the flood of questions !!
Thanks
Jason
Thanks
Jason
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 352
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From: Tillamook, Ore
Most important to me would be oil pressure and water temp. And yes mechanical gauges would be more accurate than electric. Easy to hook up too. A pyro is for deisels or maybe if you are running a blower, not necessary. I'd just use the stock gauges for the charging system since they're still working.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Eastern PA
So mechanical it is !! I am going to go with Oil Press., Oil Temp., Water Temp., Trans. Temp. What are the higher quality gauges out there? I know Autometer. I have found some others that I really like also.. SunPro, Equus, Ractive. Any info on these or some others??
Thanks guys for the replys so far...
Jason
Thanks guys for the replys so far...
Jason
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 530
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From: Harrisonburg, VA
Both Autometer and VDO make wonderfull gauges. I bought some vdo cockpit electric series gauges that I liked, got them at summit racing they have a excellent selection also. Make sure when your buying gauges that it comes with the sender hardware, some gauges includes it and some you have to buy seperately. My vdo's I had to by the sending units seperate but it still ended up being cheaper than autometer's and they include the sending units. I like electric gauges because for the mechanical oil pressure gauge you have to run a plastic tube from the gauge to your block and if the tube comes loose from either end you'll have engine oil everywhere. On the ground is one thing but inside your truck is another..... just something to think about.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: on the edge
Gauge Manufacturers
Stewart Warner or Datcon (a division of Stewart Warner) are probably the best.
Westach are very good also, but a little expensive.
ISSPRO are very good also.
Why not buy American?
Also - an ammeter is a better diagnostic instrument than a voltmeter.
Westach are very good also, but a little expensive.
ISSPRO are very good also.
Why not buy American?
Also - an ammeter is a better diagnostic instrument than a voltmeter.
Last edited by the other Alex; Oct 7, 2004 at 10:49 AM. Reason: To Add A Thought
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From: Concord, NC
An ammeter might not be as practical, even if it is a better indicator. Reason being, you have to run the main charging system wiring up through the guage. Another is that with today's high output alternators, that's quite a bit of current - sometimes more than a guage can display.
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From: on the edge
Ammeter vs. Voltmeter
An ammeter will have a shunt that will regulate the amperage output of the alternator to the gauge. When you buy the ammeter, you also buy the appropriate shunt to match your alternator. Wiring the gauge into the system to carry full line amperage to the dash and back shouldn’t be a problem if the wiring is sufficiently sized, loomed and grometted.
If your charging system is charging (or discharging) more than 60 (or 45 or 30) amps, you have bigger problems than the gauge’s ability to relay the actual rate of charge or discharge.
If your charging system is charging (or discharging) more than 60 (or 45 or 30) amps, you have bigger problems than the gauge’s ability to relay the actual rate of charge or discharge.