To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Hello all,

I have been contemplating adding a fuel pressure gauge just before my carb inlet and separator. It would be nice to know what the pressure is to help in any future problems. Even just a small gauge inline would be adequate. There isn't much talk of a fuel pressure gauge or a marine dash gauge sold as far as I know. Especially as people posting on here having problems with carbs and stalling, a pressure gauge would eliminate the pump, inline filter/separator as a cause. Or better yet a marine inline clear housing fuel filter so you can see what the heck is getting pumped into the carb? To be out on the water and be able to eliminate possible causes of not running right is pretty important in my mind. Auto gauges are readily sold, but with barb fittings on the tee, thats a no no on the pressure side of the fuel pump for marine. Any one have any thoughts on this subject? Maybe a flare tee or NPT fitting so the line can be all metal.
Any thoughts Captains??

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

All that leads to is another place for you to GO BOOM.
don`t bother, not worth it.

 

[bomar76]

Re: To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

Like this?

 

[bomar76]

Re: To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

Another pic

 

[bomar76]

Re: To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

One more view

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

Wasn't sure if AN line and fittings were Coast Guard approved? Do you use this in salt water? looks like it is holding up well to the elements.

 

[bomar76]

Re: To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

Wasn't sure if AN line and fittings were Coast Guard approved? Do you use this in salt water? looks like it is holding up well to the elements.

Fresh water only.
Those pics were take after almost 2 full season of running.

OK, now for the bad part. AN hose and fitting are not USCG approved.
But.....I have been inspected several times by the USCG and they are unofficially fine with it, a lot of us go fast types run it and they have never said anything about it. If fact, we were joking about how AN is approved for use on the SR-71 Blackbird and for some reason not USCG approved and as far as they are concerned it is far safer. They always comment on how good it looks too.

I also have had the state water cops inspect it and they always say the same thing...dam that looks nice!.....and they are good with it too.

 

[bomar76]

Re: To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

Let me add this....
Last Spring when we were summerizing, the engine would not fire off. I had just put a new Sierra fuel filter on the boat (I change fuel filters in the spring, run it a few hours, then change again to soak up off season water).
I watched the fuel pressure gauge and saw the pump was not picking up fuel. I took the filter back off and saw the gasket was FUBARED from the factory...wasn't flat and even, pump was sucking air through it.
I swapped filters and cranked and in a couple revolutions I had fuel pressure. The inline guage saved a lot of diagnositics.
BTW, I not longer use Sierra fuel filters once my stock was used up.

I also have an oil pressure gauge mounted on the remote oil filter assembly. I like the ability to watch the oil pressure when I am back in engine compartment....I can see it come right up as the engine cranks.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

Thanks for your comments and time. Think that is the way to go. If it helps in diagnosing just one time it was worth it. I am a master plumber so I am pretty comfortable running fuel lines and bending hard lines. But think I'm gonna get a list together with AN fittings. There's more selection there than trying to do it with hard line. and it looks cool too

 

[bomar76]

Re: To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

It could easily be done with hard line too.
I buy most of my AN stuff from Summit.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

funny... no pic, but i have a VERY similar set-up... and you can buy marine rated electric fuel pressure sending units and electric gauges for a hundred or so... I know gaffrig makes one and some others. I'm getting ready to add a blow through blower and need to add a fuel pressure gauge to be sure that fuel pressure keeps up where it's supposed to...

ps. nice looking engine...

 

[bomar76]

Re: To add a Fuel Pressure Gauge?

Thanks for the compliment.
If there is any interest I have more pics.
I considered adding an electric fuel pressure gauge to the dash, but the gauges I am using (S&S Competition- owner is my friend and they are great) are not available in fuel pressure. If I was running a blower I certainly would be using one, in fact some friends with blowers are also running a low fuel pressure alarm.
Currently I am running oil and fuel pressure gauges on the engine, and on the dash speedo, tach, oil pressure, oil temperature, manifold vacuum, water temperature, water pressure, volts, and fuel level. No need for a trim gauge, I consider them worthless hole fillers.