Boost gauge issues

SJBrooks · **Joined:** Tue Mar 11, 2014 11:01 am **Posts:** 42

Installed an Equus brand boost gauge (from Autozone) recently, and went for a test drive. The needle bounced around wildy at all speeds/throttle inputs, and then didn't reset to 0 when I cut off the engine. Soooo, I installed another of the same gauges, and it too bounced wildly but did reset to 0. I know the gauges were installed correctly, so looking for some input on what is causing the bouncing needle. Just cheapo gauges? Some particular about our engines that causes it? Any inputs appreciated.

Steve

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Mon May 15, 2023 10:06 am

I have a GlowShift mechanical boost gauge and it is rock steady in its movements. No bouncing at all, only steady fluid movements.
Just curious, where do you have your pressure sensor line connected?
Mine is connected to a port in the intake manifold that I drilled and tapped.

SJBrooks · **Joined:** Tue Mar 11, 2014 11:01 am **Posts:** 42

Hey WW,

I too tapped a hole in the intake manifold (gauge is mechanical). I'm thinking they're just cheap junk, 'cause the Autometer mechanical gauge in my Ram Cummins has worked flawlessly for over 20 yrs. Over the years, I've not seen other instances where a mechanical gauge would fluctuate so wildly. The engine runs and pulls fine and (with VERY few exceptions) always has, so I'm sure there's no mechanical issue causing it. I'll put in another brand of gauge and report back.

Steve

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Mon May 15, 2023 1:26 pm

I replaced all three Autometer gauges in my Dodge Cummins with GlowShift gauges because the Autometer ones were very hard to read at night, very dim even with the dash light rheostat turned up all the way up to max.
I was very impressed with the GlowShift gauges that I installed in my Jeep CRD; very bright at night and I like being able to select the background color of my choice.
I can highly recommend the GlowShift gauges! (*not a sponsor)
If I had it to do over again, I would strongly recommend looking into the "3IN1 DIESEL COMBO GAUGE" gauge they now have. (2nd picture)

My Gauges & boost connection:

SJBrooks · **Joined:** Tue Mar 11, 2014 11:01 am **Posts:** 42

And the culprits were (drum roll...): the cheap Equus-brand gauges. I put in a Bosch-brand gauge and it worked fine, with no vibrations at all. I will end up going with the 3-in-1 Glowshift that WW speaks about, but for now, the Bosch at least gives an accurate reading.

Steve

SJBrooks · **Joined:** Tue Mar 11, 2014 11:01 am **Posts:** 42

WW,

For the short term, I went with Glowshift's boost-only gauge. It works great and seems to be a quality piece as compared to the cheap-o ones I previously posted about. To what fuses or wires did you connect your red and yellow and orange wires?

Steve

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:54 pm

I pulled the speedometer cluster and tapped into the wires feeding the connector.
Used the unused blind threaded boss on the intake to connect the boost pressure line. See pictures
Drilled a small 1/8" hole into the intake in the back of the threaded boss, and then re-threaded the threads to 1/8" NPT's. :wink:

Picture:

Boost gauge issues

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