Diesel Dyke

Hope I'm not copying a thread already posted, but here goes...

I've recently purchased and installed AutoMeter gauges in my 2001 Dodge Cummins. The EGT went pretty straighforward and no probs with it that I can see.

Has anyone put in a Turbo Boost or a Trans Temp gauge??

My problem is being unsure of where to plumb the Boost gauge as I couldn't readily see where to connect the vacuum line for the Boost gauge and I don't want to pull the Turbo until I'm ready for a bigger/badder wastegate.

The Trans Temp gauge is connected properly, however, the gauge doesn't read and I'm wondering if the trans takes quite awhile to go past 140F or if like the EGT, it requires a power lead for the gauge to work, but gauge didn't come with second lead and instructions didn't indicate anything else needing to be done.

It might sound like I've contradicated myself, but while the setup looks sick, the instructions were pretty much crap and I need input from those who have had experience with gauges like these.

And if anyone would like the details of what gauges, mounting solution, recommendations I have, and the installation steps I employed, I'd be happy to show and tell.

wannadiesel

You need to drill and tap the intake horn (the big elbow on the diver's side of the engine) for the fitting that comes with the boost gauge. It's no big deal, there are like 4 bolts holding the intake horn on, pull it off, drill and tap, blow out the shavings, and slap 'er back on.

On the trans: Is it a mechanical gauge or electric? If the sender is permanently attached to the gauge by a long tube (mechanical gauge) there are no other wires needed. If there are wires from the gauge to the sender (electrical gauge) then it does need to be connected to a source of power for it to work.

If it's cold where you are, the trans may not reach 140 degrees without towing something.

I think AutoMeter expects people to have installed gauges before or something, you're right that the directions are a little vague in places.

Blue600

My trans temp has not gotten over 125*F this winter.

RamWheelsBy4

My trans temp gauge rarely moves off the 140 mark even in hot city stop and go driving. I have never seen it above 175 or so with medium load in stop and go traffic for an hour.

Diesel Dyke

Hey guys, thanks for the replies! I appreciate the info.

I actually had a longer run in my Ram since the gauges went in and my trans temp gauge got up to about 155F. Guess it would have helped to check the norm op temps before I got the one I have and with a lower start temp, but as long as it reads, its all good. I hope someone learns from that mistake of mine.

To Wannadiesel: ya my trans temp is mechanical as above I finally got to see it read. Just the way it is I guess, would have been nice if it were like the egt gauge with 2 leads and the thermocouple(TC) detached. I'll tap the horn Saturday and get he turbo gauge hooked up.

If there is a trans temp gauge out there that has the detached TC, I recommend anyone getting gauges to get that one. It was a pain to route the TC down into the dash, thru the firewall, and down to the tranny; as you don't want to damage the wire.

My Ram has the 6 speaker system and the 3 pod A-pillar instructions I have from AutoMeter suggests pretty much molesting the original A-pillar cover. I popped the pillar speaker out of the original cover and put the AutoMeter one over the bare pillar and used one long screw at the top to hold it in place. It fits fine and looks real good...just FYI

Also, I didn't have to drill any holes thru the firewall. I used the hood release grommet to route the egt, and turbo vac line thru and there is a blank rubber plug between the park brake and brake pedal mounting locations for which I pass the trans temp TC thru.