Installing a Fuel Pressure Gauge

Installing a fuel pressure gauge is not difficult. It just needs a systematic approach. Use the instructions and precautions listed below to install you fuel pressure gauge.

Fuel Pressure Gauge Basics

Maintaining the proper fuel pressure is critical for the overall health of any vehicle’s engine. It also affects the engine’s ability to crank out the required power. The application of a fuel pressure gauge is across all vehicles that use a fuel-injection system. This includes power-boats, nearly every contemporary car model and commercial vehicles like trucks.

Understanding Fuel Pressure Gauge Function

The fuel-injection system uses a fuel pump for inserting the fuel into the vehicle’s fuel-line. The path of the fuel includes a fuel-filtration line that is needed for cleaning the fuel. After this, the fuel is injected through the fuel injectors. The phase of fuel injection here is directly proportional to the fuel pressure being maintained by the vehicle’s engine. In underpowered vehicles, the fuel pressure is low. Hence, lesser fuel is injected and that too with a time lag.

Low level of fuel pressure leads to a smoky, noisy engine. Further, if such an engine is used for a long time, the vehicle undergoes irreversible damage. The valves of the engine can be permanently damaged. Underpowered vehicles also tend to use more fuel than normal engines. On the other hand, if the engine is over-powered due to excessive fuel pressure, its combustion unit or the spark plugs can be damaged.

This is why it is recommended that a fuel pressure gauge should be installed. It helps to closely monitor the fuel pressure within the vehicle and make the necessary adjustments.

Step 1—Placing the Rag

Ensure that you use a sizable rag. Place the rag under the visible rubber hoses around engine. These hoses are a part of the fuel-filtration process. The rag should spread beneath the entire fuel-injection system. For this, ensure that the rag is stretched under the injectors and nearby components. The rag is handy when the fuel-line is cut. Without the rag, the leaking fuel can quickly spread across the entire floor.

Step 2—Cutting and Clamping Fuel-line

Using the cutter, cut the fuel-line. Using the hose clamps, clamp each end of the cut, fuel-line. Carefully, insert one, open end of the branded, fuel-pressure gauge over one cut end of the fuel line. Now slowly, slide the hose clamp holding the sliced fuel-line over the point where the fuel-line has been forced onto the fuel pressure gauge. Turn the screw of the clamp in clockwise direction to tighten it. Repeat this process with the other end of the sliced, fuel-line. You should now have the fuel-line clamped at either ends on the two openings of the fuel pressure gauge.

Step 3—Taking Fuel Pressure Gauge Reading

Start the engine. Within seconds, the fuel pressure gauge starts giving readings. However, the initial set of readings can be a bit unsteady. Start and stop the engine at least twice, for a few minutes each time. Now, start the engine again, and keep it running for two-to-three minutes. The reading on the fuel pressure gauge is now the correct reading.