Temperature and Pressure Readings.

[ein bora]

When selecting gauges for a diesel, oooh - lets say a 1.9 IDI, what pressure readings for the oil and boost pressures should I be looking for?? And how about the EGT - what temperature reading should it go up to?? A number of choices per gauge - not sure which one would be best suited. Thanks.

[53 willys]

oil psi is a tough one IMO...I bought a 100psi gauge since they spike so hard when cold....but now when I'm fully warmed up my 100psi gauge reads zero...I have checked it against a known good gauge..it just that the gauge is not accurate way down low...if I was to do it again I would probably go with a 80psi...if they even make one??
or I could move my 100psi to the filter flange then it would read higher all the time......

I run 40 psi boost gauges...but that kinda high for a non modded engine..

[Vincent Waldon]

I think a 5 bar  (80psi) oil pressure gauge is a reasonable choice... you won't see the initial spike when cold but you'll have more resolution when the engine is warm, which is likely when you want accurate readings anyways.

In terms of boost gauges 15psi is perfect if you're planning to stick with stock boost.  If you're planning to play with the pump, wastegate, etc and push past stock 30 psi might be the right choice.  I've had to upgrade mine. :wink:

One other hint from the "school of hard knocks".... most (if not all) boost gauges will buzz a bit at idle and may drive you a bit wonky.... VDO makes a 7 buck tee that includes a restriction which tames the buzzing.  You're going to be buying a tee anyways.. the one with a restriction might make sense. Another upgrade I made after the fact.

In terms of EGT... lots of threads here on that topic... have a peek and if your questions are answered.