Low cost Fuel Pressure gauge

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  • blocke
    E30 Fanatic
    • Mar 2009
    • 1305

    #1

    Low cost Fuel Pressure gauge

    Looking at getting a low cost fuel pressure gauge to diagnose my hard-start issues, and keep an eye on fuel pressure down the road. I dont want to buy a test kit, rather have something that I can leave installed and monitor as-needed.

    Looking for something like this:
    http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Gasket-1560...510460&sr=1-17

    Any recommendations?
    sigpic
    Parts Wanted
    The Never-ending Resto Mod
  • nando
    Moderator
    • Nov 2003
    • 34827

    #2
    you need one rated for EFI. that's a low pressure gauge. it needs to go up to at least 60-70psi to be useful.

    also, get something fluid filled, or the needle will just bounce around.

    I got a pretty nice gauge on ebay a couple years back for around $25.00. fluid filled, 100psi. really nice, I think it was even made in the USA.
    Build thread

    Bimmerlabs

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    • blocke
      E30 Fanatic
      • Mar 2009
      • 1305

      #3
      Originally posted by nando
      you need one rated for EFI. that's a low pressure gauge. it needs to go up to at least 60-70psi to be useful.

      also, get something fluid filled, or the needle will just bounce around.

      I got a pretty nice gauge on ebay a couple years back for around $25.00. fluid filled, 100psi. really nice, I think it was even made in the USA.
      Damn thanks for the input, I would have bought that thing and been pissed
      sigpic
      Parts Wanted
      The Never-ending Resto Mod

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      • slippery
        Grease Monkey
        • Nov 2011
        • 373

        #4
        Where are you going to install it? I would like to do something like this as long as it plug and play.

        J

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        • smooth
          E30 Mastermind
          • Apr 2005
          • 1940

          #5
          I want to do the same thing but I'm more interested in something that can be used to test and then removed after diagnostics are done. I'm not particularly interested in running around with an extra gauge.

          If you come up with a solution please make sure to post it here.
          Das ist nicht nur nicht richtig, es ist nicht einmal falsch!

          Comment

          • FLG
            No R3VLimiter
            • Sep 2011
            • 3165

            #6
            If you plan on keeping this permanently mounted under the hood dont go with fluid filled...once they get warm/hot they wont read correctly.
            -Build http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=295277

            Comment

            • AndrewBird
              The Mad Scientist
              • Oct 2003
              • 11892

              #7
              Originally posted by FLG
              If you plan on keeping this permanently mounted under the hood dont go with fluid filled...once they get warm/hot they wont read correctly.
              Never heard of this before. Care to elaborate?

              Comment

              • deutschman
                R3V Elite
                • May 2008
                • 5958

                #8
                Ireland sells a whole kit for about $135 shipped in CA.
                sigpic
                "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."

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                • FLG
                  No R3VLimiter
                  • Sep 2011
                  • 3165

                  #9
                  on my phone so pain to search for things but if you do a Google search for something like "liquid filled fuel pressure gauge incorrect when hot" or something similar you'll find plenty of threads.

                  Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
                  -Build http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=295277

                  Comment

                  • AndrewBird
                    The Mad Scientist
                    • Oct 2003
                    • 11892

                    #10
                    After reading a bit, it is due to the fact that oil filled gauges are hermetically sealed, so as the oil inside heats up and expands, it counters the pressure from the fuel coming in, giving you a low reading. It only affects low pressures gauges though and if you just pop the fill plug off the gauge to release the internal pressure, they read correctly.

                    So in the case of the original poster, an oil filled gauge should work fine, especially if you follow the directions and "burp" the gauge before checking the reading.

                    Comment

                    • FLG
                      No R3VLimiter
                      • Sep 2011
                      • 3165

                      #11
                      Good to know...im used to carbs and low pressure mechanical pumps and always stayed away from oil filled for that reason.

                      Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
                      -Build http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=295277

                      Comment

                      • TobyB
                        R3V Elite
                        • Oct 2011
                        • 5170

                        #12
                        Mine mysteriously has the work 'oil' printed on the face, but it seems to work just fine...

                        I use the VDO electric, and about all it's good for is 'yes, I have some'

                        It fluctuates with plenum pressure, since the fuel rail is referenced to that.

                        t
                        now, sometimes I just mess with people. It's more entertaining that way. george graves

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