I've been running my regulated fuel return for awhile and it's been great. The gauge on the regulator has shown me that my pump has died so I've bought a new pump and installed it. Before I put the new pump in, the needle would dance around 30-40PSI and all sorts of goofy things. With the new pump, it shoots right up to 20PSI and stays there... BUT, my truck has the spunk back that I had before the pump went out and it feels like it used to. So, I think something MIGHT be up with my gauge. It's a liquid-filled Summit gauge rated for 0-100PSI. When I first installed everything, it read 60PSI which is where I wanted the regulator at. I noticed when I got that gauge there was a little set screw in the end of the NPT fitting. What's up with that? Summit said to leave it in there, but I think that the pressure on my lines may have caused the screw to screw itself all the way in and now the gauge won't read right. It was just in there loose when I got it... does anybody know what it is? If so, what am I supposed to do with it? I would think I'd need to take it out... if that's the case, then my old pump might not have been bad. But then again, it was humming really loud, it's chirp and cough occasionally as well. Anyways, anybody got a clue what that set screw in the end of my gauge is? I also am gonna check the regulator. I doubt anything is wrong with that because just a couple days ago, I know it was open enough to let more than 20PSI flow through it. Thanks, guys... POST UP!!!

 

Post a link to that Summit gauge plz.

 

Summit Fuel Pressure Gauge

 

bump for ya cause I did a search and am looking for a good gauge to order. Would like to know if your gauge is at fault...

 

I'm almost positive it's not... I took the gauge out and it was clear of debris and the screw was still loose like it was before I installed it. Under closer observation, I found out the screw has tiny pin-holes in it. Why the gauge has to have screw in the end in the first place, I don't know. But this is a good gauge... nice and hefty, has a decent face, looks good and works alright as well. I'm now on a new track... it could be my regulator. We'll see... I'd sure hate to have to buy another one. They're so expensive!

 

You can test the gauge with compressed air. Set the compressor to say, 50psi and plumb in your gauge. Might cost a couple $$$ in adapters, you at least you'll know for sure...

 

The screw in the gauge port is the oriface. That is why it has the tiny hole(s). The purpose of the oriface is to reduce surges in the pressure line so the gauge doesn't bounce or flutter. Either one, especially flutter, are hard on the gauge. The oriface also slows down the loss of fluid if the internals of the gauge were to fail.

The screw is supposed to be there, and makes the gauge work better and last longer.

 

Oh, cool... now I know what it is! Thanks guys... and, I know my gauge is fine now. It wasn't my pump after all... my regulator came loose and de-regulated itself! It was running wide open! It's a decent gauge, BTW. Not bad for $18...

 

See my last post... but it's not that gauge at fault. It's a very good gauge for the money and looks good too! Here's the link...