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Gauge Sensor Installation

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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 01:37 PM
  #1  
Benchwrench's Avatar
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From: Circle City
Lightbulb Gauge Sensor Installation

I thought it would be a good idea to install some gauges. (duh)
I see nothing related in the tech folder or by doing a reasonable search on FTE.

I wanted to compile install info as where sensors get installed for the following gauge installations.

1. Fuel pressure sensor.- (unsure where to locate and if there is an exsisting plug or if a drill & tap is needed, )

2. Trans. Temp Sensor- ( I believe there is an OEM plug on the left side of the Auto. Trans. However, not sure if its the same threads of the sensor).

3. Boost line tap - (My guess is taping threads in the 90* aluminum intake elbow bolted to the manifold. Exactly where to make the new threads might be helpful, looks like removing it would be best to drill & tap threads not sure though.)

4. Pyrometer/EGT probe- (from what I've seen, best place is the bottom of the left exhaust manifold right where it bends).

5. Water Temp Sensor - ( unsure if there is a plug on the block specifically designed for this application or what).

6. Engine Oil Temp sensor- (eventhough I am not installing this type of temp gauge, I wanted to include it in this list for any guys thinking of installing one).

If you guys have any install shots on this site or others, please chime in.

Regarding drill and tapping threads; What I know is this, The sensors mainly used by these meter companies use a 1/8 .27 NPT (size for tap)
The size of the drill bit would be a "Q" size. Decimal equiv.= .3320 (if this is not available, the next size smaller bit can be used = .3281 or 21/64".

It would be , if we can add a "gauge install" section to the tech folder.
 

Last edited by Benchwrench; Oct 9, 2007 at 01:41 PM.
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 02:21 PM
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Benchwrench,

Most of the guys just use the write-up and pictures of the gauge & sensor install that is on the "Diesel Manor" (FTE sponsors) website:

http://www.dieselmanor.com/diy/PSD3-...60gauge-p1.htm
www.dieselmanor.com/diy/PSD_water.htm
www.dieselmanor.com/diy/DM-FPA60_installed.htm

The water temp sensor adapter that screws into the side of the block is M16x1.5 (male) to 1/8 NPT (female) adapter.

The fuel pressure adapter that screws into the secondary fuel filter housing is
M12x1.5 (male) to 1/8 NPT (female) adapter.

Most guys that install an oil temp gauge buy an aluminum oil filter cap that is drilled and tapped to accept the sensor fitting in the top of the cap (Oil Guard and others have these).
 
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 05:03 PM
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Those links are great info. Thanks Blackhat!
I noticed in the link for fuel pressure that they mention a M12x1.0 and you mention a M12x1.5 thread. Not sure which to ask for at the counter. Not only that, but what kind of shop would carry Metric to NPT anyway! If I have to I'll NPT tap a metric plug!
 
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 05:11 PM
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I also noticed that the description calls for a type "R" (or 21/64) drill bit while the conversion "book" states that a type "Q" is the correct size bit (which is one size bigger). Maybe because the 21/64 is more common and when you walk up to the counter and are asked what size drill bit you need you stump 'em by sayin "Q". which in "my book" is all Greek to me.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 05:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Benchwrench
Those links are great info. Thanks Blackhat!
I noticed in the link for fuel pressure that they mention a M12x1.0 and you mention a M12x1.5 thread. Not sure which to ask for at the counter. Not only that, but what kind of shop would carry Metric to NPT anyway! If I have to I'll NPT tap a metric plug!

You need M12x1.5, the other is a misprint as they don't even make that size as far as i know. Diesel Manor carries these adapters $6.50 IIRC. Also most places that sell hydraulic hoses and fittings will have these.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Benchwrench
I also noticed that the description calls for a type "R" (or 21/64) drill bit while the conversion "book" states that a type "Q" is the correct size bit (which is one size bigger). Maybe because the 21/64 is more common and when you walk up to the counter and are asked what size drill bit you need you stump 'em by sayin "Q". which in "my book" is all Greek to me.
The "R" (0.339) drill bit is the correct size for the 1/8 NPT tap.

In a pinch if you cannot find an "R" drill bit then a 21/64 (0.32813) will work, but it is undersized (by 11 thousands) for the tap so you must take extra care when tapping with the smaller hole size. A "Q" (0.332) drill bit is also undersized (by 7 thousands) for an 1/8 NPT tap but like the 21/64 drill bit it will work in a pinch.

A "Q" drill bit is approximately 4 thousands bigger than a 21/64 bit and a "P" drill bit is approximately 5 thousands smaller.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 06:53 PM
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i have a quad pod guage set up..........also have a fuel psi guage mounted on top of my fuel filter cap......check my gallery for pics of my sensor locations, my guages r fuel psi, boost, oil psi, trans temp, and egt.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by southbound35west
i have a quad pod guage set up..........also have a fuel psi guage mounted on top of my fuel filter cap......check my gallery for pics of my sensor locations, my guages r fuel psi, boost, oil psi, trans temp, and egt.
That is a clean install. The downside however to having your fuel guage under the hood is that you cannot monitor it under load while driving. The gauge can register at 40 psi or above at idle, but under load the fuel pressure can drop below 40 psi (below 40 psi and the injectors can be damaged) and you will not be aware of the low fuel pressure. The benefit of a fuel pressure gauge is to be able to monitor it while driving & under load.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 09:45 PM
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Thanks again Blackhat for the information regarding drill size and tapping a 1/8 NPT thread as I had no clue of drill bit indexing. I just want the right tool for the job.
BTW, Kragens Auto carries a kit of 5 different sized Metric Adapters for under $10. Two of 'em will be used for the 6.0 install. The H20 sensor and the Fuel sensor.
 

Last edited by Benchwrench; Oct 9, 2007 at 09:57 PM.
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by blackhat620
That is a clean install. The downside however to having your fuel guage under the hood is that you cannot monitor it under load while driving. The gauge can register at 40 psi or above at idle, but under load the fuel pressure can drop below 40 psi (below 40 psi and the injectors can be damaged) and you will not be aware of the low fuel pressure. The benefit of a fuel pressure gauge is to be able to monitor it while driving & under load.
is that a reliable place to tap into the fuel pressure line? I was thinking of getting a fuel pressure guage.........if i only had a place in the cab for it!
 
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Old Oct 9, 2007 | 10:18 PM
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Originally Posted by raptor131
is that a reliable place to tap into the fuel pressure line? I was thinking of getting a fuel pressure guage.........if i only had a place in the cab for it!
Only two places on the 6.0 to hook up a fuel pressure sender. Either use the test port on the side of the secondary filter housing or use an A/M aluminum fuel filter cap that is drilled and tapped on the secondary fuel filter.
 
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