Guys,

I'm long overdue for a FP gauge. I work with fluids daily and know better than to bring the fuel into the cab so I'm leaning towards electric. I know brand is all about personal preference, but can anyone explain the functions of the isolator and/or needle valve? Do they allow for the use of a mechanical gauge without the risk of fuel getting into the cab if there is a break in the line?

Thanks in advance!

 

What is wrong with using flexible SS tubing to the guage in the cab. If you use SS flex tubing you will never have to worry about a leak. The purpose of the needle valve is both to dampen the pulses from the VP44 and to allow you to shut off flow to the guage and still drive the truck.

Electric guages are not reliable (some WILL disagree) and many isolators are not meant to be used with diesel.

 

Been using a Isspro EV Series mechanical gauge in cab 3 Yrs
no problems.

 

The only problem you'll have with a leak is the smell of Diesel,
it doesn't ignite near as well as gasoline.

1 year on my Isspro without a leak, Shovelhead is going on 3 years+ with no problems,
both with fuel right to the back of the guage.


phox

 

Hmm,

I was thinkng that about the electric gauges, but wasn't sure. So I've read guys take their FP reading off the schrader valve on the VP? Is that the best place to read or can I just splice into the feed line?

 

3 years with a Westach electric gauge from Geno's. Spliced into the schrader valve with a fitting sold by the same. My feeling: get the reading as close to the injection pump as possible.

No problems; checked the Westach four times over the last couple of years against a mechanical gauge we know is good, the Westach agrees to within 1/2 psi. Just my own, personal experience, I know most folks prefer a mechanical gauge.

 

I'm running the Autometer z-series, electric Fp gauge, plumbed into the Vp, bigger banjo bolt. Autometer has a new electric fuel pressure gauge that is 0-30psi and is specifically designed to run in diesels. I got a pic in my gallery of them.

 

Alright,

Where is the schrader on the VP?

 

Its on the fuel filter...and its not the greatest idea to install your guage there. Leave the Schrader valve free so you can use that port to verify with a mechanical guage.

You should lookat Shovelheads or RattlinRam's install:

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...cat/500/page/1

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...sort/1/cat/500

 

I think he's referring to the test port on the VP44 itself.

It's on the side facing the passenger side of the vehicle,
and has a black plastic cap on it, much like the cap on your valve stem on your tire.


phox

 

Duh....thanks for catching that Phox....