I've searched and tried to decide what gauges to get for a 3-gauge pod. My truck is a 2003 HO, stock tuning and most likely to stay that way (possible simple tuner someday, but probably not until I get a tranny build).

I'm mostly trying to monitor my truck for longevity and reliability. I tow about 8-9000 lbs regularly and use as a daily driver as well.

Given all this, what would my top priority gauges be for this truck. I know that one will be a trans temp gauge. Where is the consensus on where to mount the sensor?

I'm thinking maybe a fuel pressure gauge as well. Is it more important to measure rail pressure or post-lift pump pressure? Will the LP going out commonly kill the cp3 (bear with me, I don't really know what I'm talking about - still pretty new at this, but learning).

My plan was an EGT for the 3rd. Again, what is the best sensor location? I'm a bit squeamish about drilling into my manifold, but it doesn't really look too bad. My only hesitation here is everything I've read says you really shouldn't be able to cook a stock-tuned Cummins (per Cummins and other sources) on a street-driven truck doing what it was designed. For me it would be mostly good to know info and also watch for cool-down temps after towing hard.

Other Ideas I had are boost (what is the importance on a stock truck again?), oil pressure - to have a real gauge and another good problem indicator.

Are gauges even needed on a stock truck? I think trans temp is must have for me, and I guess I might as well get a pod while I'm at it!

Thanks!

 

Has anyone ever tried this? Diesel Manor Transcender

http://www.dieselmanor.com/dm_products/DM-TRS.asp

They claim it reads only 5* cooler than having the line fully tapped. Pretty cool looking if it actually works that good. I'm wondering if this might be a quick and cheap way to do it until I get time to tap into the line or buy a pre-made job for the trans to cooler line.

 

This may be an option for you, I currently have it and love it!

http://www.edgeproducts.com/product.php?pk=145&pvk=405

It is expandable, so you can monitor everything your talking about plus you could get a back up camera or even a turbo timer.

 

The most important gauges is the oil pressure, EGT and trans temp because it is auto. These are the only gauges that can help prevent additional damage if monitored. All other gauges will help diagnose problems but futher damage should not happen if not monitored.

An a common rail engine the oil pressure gauge is a must because fuel can be pumped into the engine diluteing the oil and the in dash gauge will not show the pressure drop. If on an extended run you can destroy the engine if this problem is not seen early enough.

EGT when towing needs to be monitored to keep the temps down to avoid dropping a valve seat. This problem is common on the '03 and '04 engines. I keep my temps below 1200* by backing off the throttle or down shifting.

Lift pump pressure if lost will cause the engine to die if you still have the orginal pump on the filter canister but will not cause any damage to the CP-3. The CP-3 can pull fuel thourgh some of the after market pumps if they fail.

Rail pressure is only needed to diagnose starting problems. The ECM will not fire the injectors if it does not see around 3000 psi.

Boost is also needed only to know if there are any leaks or if the turbo is not working correctly. Lack of boost can effect EGT's and make them higher and reduce power.

The multi gauge units like the edge will not give you oil pressure because the system on the truck has a 6psi switch for the oil pressure and the ECM controls the guage based on that switch, engine temp and RPM.

 

That is the one I have and I like it. I also drilled into the manifilod with no issues. You can see the set up I have in my sig and would like to add a rail pressure soon. Best of luck.

 

Thanks for all the replies - lots of good info!

Can anyone elaborate on the pumping fuel into the crankcase issue? I've heard a couple of references to this. How does it happen and is there anything you can do to prevent it?

I think oil pressure gauge is a good idea given this.

 

Also Papaduck, where is your EGT probe mounted that you use 1200* as a benchmark to back off? I've heard different numbers used for different locations.

 

This can happen because of a number of reasons. An injector can stick open, seals around an injector can leak onto the top of the head which will go to the pan, and a seal on the CP-3 can leak into the pan. The rail is under canstant and high pressure. If a leak occours it will either go out the exhaust, into the crankcase or returned to the tank. Had a seal on the CP-3 on a vehicle at work and I saw the oil pressure dropping (real gauge), took it to the mechanic and the crankcase was full of fuel. This happened a few years ago and that engine is still running. There have been a few reports of drivers finding the underside of the truck covered with oil and the engine destroyed because of fuel in the crankcase.


I drilled into the top of the manifold between #3 and #4 just in front of the drop into the exit of the manifold. Based on what I have read, I feel to be safe with my '03 I have set for my safety measure limit of 1200*. It might be safe to go higher but I will not take a chance of loosing the engine because I cannot afford to replace it.

 

I have an edge insight and love it, super easy to install and use and shows everything perfectly. Never thought about how the oil pressure would change with fuel in the oil, what are good numbers to see on oil pressure at idle and wot?

 

The oil pressure will change with RPM and engine temp. A cold engine at idle will have pressure around 50-60 and can go as high as 80 psi with higher RPM's. A hot engine can idle as low as 10 to 20 psi (normal but how many would freak out if they saw 10 psi) and will run around 40 to 60 psi at around 2k RPM.

On a cold start the ISB Cummins will not have any oil pressure for 3 to 4 seconds. The in dash guage will show pressure instantly and will show pressure for up to 30 seconds even though there may not be any pressure.

 

Where is the best place for the trans temp sensor? I was going to use the device in my previous post on the hot fluid to cooler line. As I'm getting ready to order everything from Geno's, I noticed that they recommend using the pan. I already have a 1/8" threaded plug on the pan to use as a drain. Should I try this instead?

 

Some one posted this link for me and it realy helped.

http://www.dieselmanor.com/diy/CMS3-...ugeinstall.htm

 

Does that Edge deal monitor everything out of the box or do you have to buy seperate modules for what you want to monitor?


47