Hello, I have a new addition to the family! A 1999 dodge ram 2500 diesel. I already have a 1500 318. This is my first diesel. I have heard alot about lift pump problems, and that it's hard to notice until the pressure pump goes bad unless you can monitor the fuel pressure. Does anyone have any advice on what kind of gauge to use and how to go about installing it? I am wanting to get a code reader also and some of the ones I've seen display fuel pressure. Is that a better way to go? Thanks!

 

get a mechanical gauge. i bought one from isspro and love it. it comes with an isolator but whether you want to use it is up to you. i didnt. good plumbing will assure you dont have leaks. i havent had personal experience with electrical gauges but ive heard they're not as reliable. either way, any VP truck needs one. installation wise the mech. guages are somewhat a pain. the only bad part is sealing the compression fittings. get them finger tight, then give it an extra 1/4-1/2 turn. the kit will come with a tapped banjo bolt that goes into your VP.

 

Thanks, I looked on isspro for the kit and only saw the gauge by itself. Do you know the part number of the kit?

 

Check out www.vulcanperformance.com Eric will help you out with whatever you need.

 

yeah vulcan is where i bought mine. i didnt buy the individual gauge though. i bought the 3 pillar gauge kit. you should be able to search within the vulcan website.

 

If you just want a warning when the lift pump quits:
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...Cheap+DIY+fuel

 

Nice project!
Another question. What pressures am I looking for? I have seen gauges 0-15 and 0-100 psi.

 

If I were you, I'd get the 0-30 psi FP gauge. From what I've gathered, you do not want fuel pressure over 20 or so psi as you'll damage the injection pump ($1500.00 just for the pump) and NOTHING under 5. Mine sits at 15.5 at idle and 12 at WOT. That is without the big line kit. Maybe I'll do it this winter when its -40...

 

Get a 0-30 psi gauge unless you plan on doing something more unconventional later (p-pump). I run electrics in both trucks, both run 40+ psi pressure, and no issues. Since you have a 99, your fuel filter canister will have two NPT plugs in the top, that you can put your fuel line or sensor right into as long as its 1/8" NPT. Saves money on tapped banjos, and time waiting for them to show up.

 

Thanks, good advice. If you go mechanical do you have to prime to line going to the gauge to get all the air out? Or is air even a problem?

 

I didn't prime mine, and it wasn't a problem.

 

I primed mine as I'm kinda **** about stuff like that. I was concerned that air compresses different than diesel. Probably overkill, but...

 

prime is not needed,it takes a few seconds to compress the air in the line,15lbs is 15lbs if it is diesel,air,anti freeze ect,