Looking to install a fuel pressure gauge in my Speedster, and I'm not having an luck finding one that will fit the bill. Most that I have found are 0-15 PSI range, which would be nearly useless when running 1.5 pounds of pressure. I've read old threads on this, and have contacted a few suppliers of low pressure gauges, but haven't found one that's rated for use with gasoline. Any ideas, other than swap meets? Thanks!
There are countless gauges on eBay including atleast one 0-3 psi gauge I saw just now.
Garnet
Garnet - I've seen the gauge I think you're referring to; it's for gas vapor and not rated for liquid fuel. When searching ebay for 0-3 or 0-5 fuel, few if any results are returned.
Model T's Fuel pressure is so low you will have a hard time finding a gauge that will work. The frame mounted Fuel tanks will only be around 1 psi at the carburetor with a full tank. The cowl mounted Fuel tanks will be about 1.5 psi at the carburetor when they are full.
I bet he going to pressurizes the tank as it is a speedster.
If you mount it on the dash or somewhere relatively high, chances are it will never see any liquid fuel. It will be measuring the air pressure in the connecting tubing which will be equal to the fuel pressure.
That was my thought. If you are pressurizing the tank, just read the tank pressure, which will be vapor.
I plan on using (the dreaded) in-line electric fuel pump and a regulator, but would like to be able to read the pressure on the dash, as mentioned. Not planning to pressurize the tank, which is in the rear of the car, and is lower than the normal tank location. I plan to run 1 - 1.5 lbs of pressure. Thanks for the input.
Holly makes them.
Does Rob know that Holly makes them?
Holley makes them 0-15 PSI and up. Nothing below 15 lbs max PSI.
Does a mechanical gauge (not diaphragm) care what kind of fluid/pressure it measures?
I don't think so. I needed a gauge to measure fuel pressure of 110 psi for my TR6. Had no luck in finding fuel gauge in that range. So I talked to gauge manufacturer tech people and they said use the oil pressure gauge - same unit internals, just different face. Been using it for a couple of years - no problems.
If you're using a fuel pump, do you really need a pressure gauge? Either it works or it doesn't. As long as the mechanical parts of the pump are working, you could hook up a light in the electrical circuit to signal you when it stops working.
I installed a valve stem in the gas cap and I carry a tire pump. The Fordor has a split seat so I can get at the valve while driving. Do you think it'll work? Three pedals, two levers on the steering column, a Ruckstell lever, a Warford lever, a steering wheel and a tire pump….Only two hands.
If you are lucky you can often find old Dodge oil gauges at swap meets that read 0 to 6. They make good fuel pressure gauges and they have that period look about them.
Thanks to all for the input. I'll see if I can find an oil pressure gauge that'll fit the bill. Jared - I don't "need" it, but I'd like it to be able to monitor it. It's like my Speedster - I don't need it, but it's sure nice to have!
Here ya go....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Noshok-5-PSI-Pressure-Gauge-/300718811049?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item46043ce7a9
Little cheaper here....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Ashcroft-2-5-Pressure-Gauge-5-PSI-1-4-NPT-Back-Panel -Mount-Connection-/181251389092?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a336cb6a4
OK, one last shot
http://www.ebay.com/itm/WIKA-4-Pressure-Gauge-612-20-0-to-5-psi-Range-1-4-inch-M NPT-NEW-/131042828073?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e82c2df29
I have one on my jeep and running at 1.5 lbs, into a holly carb.
Thanks, Chuck. Not sure those would be able to measure fuel, or the just air pressure in the line. Need something rated for liquid (gas). I appreciate the guidance!
I would think any Bourdon tube gage would stand up to gasoline. Perhaps you should look into one that reads in inches of water or inches of mercury. 1.5 psi = 42 in H2O = 3 in Hg.
Dave
Its a fluid ! The gauges Chuck listed will work fine!
Dave,
I have been running a 0-15 psi Holley Gauge on my '14 runabout, and it works just fine. On a speedster I would think you might want a little bit more than 1.5 psi anyway. I have a big Stromberg OS-1 from Stan Howe, but Winfields and other large carbs would be the same.
My set-up is like this: in-line filter, Mr. Gasket 0-4 psi pump (Pep Boys), Holley pressure regulator, and Holley Pressure Gauge -> carburetor. With only gravity flow my car would stall-out every so often for lack of gas. Now it runs fine. I have found that it runs best by setting the pressure regulator to about 2.5 psi. There is no trouble reading this on the pressure gauge.
Here is a picture of this set-up:
Thanks again to all for the help.
Jon - I'll also be running a OS-1 done by Stan. When asked, he recommended no more than 1.5 psi, or risk overwhelming the needle/seat/float resulting in flooding problems. Interesting that you're running it that high. Your set-up is almost the same as what I'm planning.
I got my five pounder at Grainger Hardware
Dave,
I started out with 1.5 psi, and it still stalled occasionally (on hills), but less frequently. So I went to 2.5 psi and no more problems. That does not cause any flooding problems on my car. It's good to get the regulator, 'cause then you can experiment with your car. Every T is probably a little different. Try some different settings and see what works best.