Vacuum gauge

[Joew2604]

Still thinking of putting vacuum gauges on my two perkins 4-154 engine filters. The filters are Racor 120 series with the small R12/R13 elements. I checked on line and there are many vacuum gauges from $6 to $25. Is there any reason I shouldnt use one of these and save a lot of money. They are all about 2 1/2 inch gauges and not liquid filled. Any thoughts appreciated. Thank you

 

[Larry M]

Here’s an 1.5” gauge sold as a vacuum gauge/fuel restriction indicator for $13.02 from Sure Marine. I added one of these when I changed filte housings on our generator. I can’t say I’ve really tested it but I trust Sure Marine and Gar-Ber.

Gar-Ber FRI Vacuum Gauge / Fuel Restriction Indicator

 

[GregBrannon]

Defender is having a special this week.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Here is what I am using:

Fuel Fixers :

 

[Larry M]

Defender is having a special this week.

Here is what I am using:

Fuel Fixers :

Those are good (and pricey) but they won’t fit the ops filter housings.

 

[goboatnow]

Here’s an 1.5” gauge sold as a vacuum gauge/fuel restriction indicator for $13.02 from Sure Marine. I added one of these when I changed filte housings on our generator. I can’t say I’ve really tested it but I trust Sure Marine and Gar-Ber.

Gar-Ber FRI Vacuum Gauge / Fuel Restriction Indicator

That's a really good deal @$13.

I ordered, and am yet to install, one of these. At $145 - a whole lot more than the Gar-Ber!

https://dentmarine.com/

It's curious that the scale is so much different between the two.
Yellow on the Gar-Ber is -7inHg, while it's -5inHg on the Dent model
Red on the Gar-Ber is -15inHG and -8inHg on the Dent

Quite a difference. Maybe the difference is between use on a Main engine vs. Genset?

My understanding on the Dent model was that it was scaled based on feedback from a Lugger/John Deere expert.

 

[Larry M]

That’s a nice gauge with the high vacuum indicator and the 0-15 range. I’m not sure th Gar-Ber gauge is specific to the generator since the Racor/Parker gauges seem to be in the same 0-30 inHg.

 

[kapnd]

I get better life from vacuum gauges by remote mounting them.
Even oil filled units will fail with severe vibration.

 

[Lepke]

The bigger the dial, the better to read subtle changes. Not long ago I changed from a 2" to 3.5" on my fuel manifold and really like the expanded curve.
Liquid filled gauges last much longer and really need to be in places where there is a lot of pulsation or vibration in the mounting or material being measured. Gauges I attach to engines are always liquid filled. Also the gauge after the hp pump on my water maker.

 

[diver dave]

I get better life from vacuum gauges by remote mounting them.
Even oil filled units will fail with severe vibration.

Filters on engine?

 

[FF]

To determine the amount of restriction in a filter two lines to a gauge are required.

One on the inlet , one on the outlet , called a differential pressure gauge,

Murphy has then with alarms if desired.

Shop for murphy differential press... on Google

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Murphy 0‑15 PSI Mechanical ...
$137.16
Partdeal.com

Free shipping

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Murphy 0‑30 PSI Mechanical ...
$149.22
Partdeal.com

Free shipping

​

0‑2000# Murphy switch gauge
$358.91
Peak Supply

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Murphy 0‑30 PSI Differential ...
$137.16
Partdeal.com

Free shipping

​

Murphy 0‑50 PSI Mechanical ...
$149.22
Partdeal.com

Free shipping

 

[CMS]

That's a really good deal @$13.

I ordered, and am yet to install, one of these. At $145 - a whole lot more than the Gar-Ber!

https://dentmarine.com/

It's curious that the scale is so much different between the two.
Yellow on the Gar-Ber is -7inHg, while it's -5inHg on the Dent model
Red on the Gar-Ber is -15inHG and -8inHg on the Dent

Quite a difference. Maybe the difference is between use on a Main engine vs. Genset?

My understanding on the Dent model was that it was scaled based on feedback from a Lugger/John Deere expert.

The Gar-Ber product is intended and designed for oil burners on boilers, furnaces and oil fired hot water heaters. It can work on diesel too. I use a Gar-Ber filter and vacuum Gauge on my shops oil tank...

Don't discount the benefits of a "drag needle" gauge as it allows you to take peak readings even when the engine is off...

 

[diver dave]

The max hold/drag needle is a great idea. Almost a must have.

 

[FF]

The hassle with a vacuum gauge on the filter is the reading can be anything that slows the flow , not just a plugged filter.

Collapsed feed hose, dirt in the tank pickup screen , half open tank selector valve , and a dozen more possibilities.

 

[twistedtree]

The hassle with a vacuum gauge on the filter is the reading can be anything that slows the flow , not just a plugged filter.

Collapsed feed hose, dirt in the tank pickup screen , half open tank selector valve , and a dozen more possibilities.

All of which require attention, and you should be alert to as early as possible. So all the more value in a gauge.

 

[Steve]

As mentioned in post 12 I'd recommend one with a drag needle, you can check it after shutting down and still see the highest reading over the day's use.
Don't forget to reset it.

 

[High Wire]

0-2000# fuel gauge? Think you can skip that one.