Gauges on my 7.3

[glodal134]

I have owned several diesel tractors and large trucks but i just purchased my first diesel pickup. It's a cherry 1999 F350 super duty 7.3. I will pull a 5th wheel with this truck and the first thing I would like to do is install a complete set of gauges. I understand the need for a transmission temp. gauge an oil pressure gauge. and maybe water temp. Do I need an exhaust temp gauge ? and what about a turbo boost gauge ? ( and what is turbo boost ) this truck is only going to be used for pulling my 5th wheel and and maybe trailers of hay or livestock. I don't intend to install any performance improving products unless it's absolutely necessary. I pulled this trailer all over Ohio last summer with my 1997 F250 Heavy duty with the 460CI Gas. so I don't think i will have any trouble. pulling i'm just not sure about the gauges . Thanks

[SuperCrutyPS]

The most popular is EGT, boost and tranny temp if you go with a 3-gauge pod. Many rely on the water, oil pressure gauge in the dash.

I pull a 5er with my '01 (See sig) and I rely on the three above. Especially EGT when climbing grades. I can keep the temps in check by not pushing it too hard. For an auto tranny, high temps can cut its life short. I installed a 6.0L, 31-row tranny cooler to help keep the temps down.
That's what I've done. I'm sure others will add to this topic.

This is my set up. Bottom to top: EGT, Boost, Trans temp
http://www.powerstroke.org/forum/mem...h-w-gauges.jpg
I put the link because it's a big pic

[DOWORKF250]

What was the paint you use for the tan interior.


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[Turbostang500]

First,

Next, welcome from another Ohioan or at least it sounds like you might be! Lol

Now with that out of the way, what are details of your truck? I guess first, is it an auto pr manual trans? You would want a trans temp guage if it is auto only. No need if it is a manual.

The other guages should definitely be an EGT guage. Diesels will get hot with a lack of air. This can happen when lugging it and not building boost (more air) or when the air filter becomes clogged and won't flow enough air.

3rd gauge I have is a boost guage. Boost is a name given to the positive air pressure created in the air intake trac by the turbo. The amount of boost is a great indicator of the load on the engine. More boost, more engine load.

Engine coolant temp does not seem to be a big concern in these trucks. They have an enormous cooling system that seems to be very efficient. Actually, alot of guys put a hotter (203°) t-stat in their trucks to get them to warm up better.

Other things I would consider would be a diy air filter. Do a search on that and you will find an overwhelming amount of info. Basically, we have come up with a way to use an industrial air filter on our trucks that protect it very well. Also, consider some sort of exhaust modifying. I just cut my muffler out and welded in a straight piece of pipe. It allows the engine to breathe quite a bit better which lowers EGT's. You can also install a bigger (4") exhaust which will do the same. And last, if yours is an auto trans and it sounds like it will be hauling some weight, look into getting a trans cooler from the newer 6.0 trucks. It is much bigger and helps with the leading cause of failer with our auto (4r100) trans.

[Turbostang500]

Dang, guess I should have refreshed my screen before posting! Lol
Oh well, some of my info has already been mentioned.

[SuperCrutyPS]

Originally Posted by DOWORKF250

What was the paint you use for the tan interior.


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App

It was a while ago, but it was VHT paint. But VHT is now a part of Dupli-color I think. Not sure it's the same. There are other paints out there, but I not sure who makes them.

[glodal134]

Turbostang 500 ask about the details of my truck. 1999 F350 / 4R100 / Auto Tranny / DRW
crew cab / long bed / 4wd / limited slip / Yes I live in Ohio . I'm the 2nd owner of this truck I have all of the maintenance and repair receipts from the previous owner ( He had deep pockets and had all work done at a Ford garage ) I was shocked at some of the cost of repair at these dealers. Example rotors pads and bearings on the front end over $3000.00 Wow. We do all of our own work here on the farm. This truck spent it's winters in the south and summers north, and it shows. no rust Thanks again for the Info.

[blacksmoke powerstroke]

Im selling my isspro boost gauge with led lighting. Isspros bout as good as it gets for gauges. $50 shipped

[2000-7.3L]

Originally Posted by blacksmoke powerstroke

Im selling my isspro boost gauge with led lighting. Isspros bout as good as it gets for gauges. $50 shipped

You have any other gauges?

[blacksmoke powerstroke]

I do but im not selling lol. Its practically brand new, in my truck now but not hooked up, never pressurized