Add On Gauges For Turbo Diesels -- Worthwhile?

SnowRidge · Feb 13, 2006

I picked up a new '05 Dodge 2500 with the CTD and 6 speed just before the end of the year. I notice a lot of the guys that hang out on the diesel truck enthusiasts sites seem to think an owner really should add a few gauges, such as EGT and boost, even if the truck isn't 'bombed.'

I have no intention of 'bombing' my truck, but have been wondering if the extra gauges, in particular the EGT gauge, are really needed for real world use. I have other places to spend the money if not.

So, real world turbo diesel truck owners, what do you think? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Egon · Feb 13, 2006

If you are into heavy pulling they may be worthwhile.

I've a stock 96 2500 CTD auto 3.55 rear since new with 180,000 kil. on it. No gauges and have done quite a few miles of heavy pulling.

Egon

RedRocker · Feb 13, 2006

I wouldn't worry about it on a stock engine.

hudr · Feb 13, 2006

I am with the other guys, I wouldn't worry about it on a stock truck. The new electronics packages do a pretty good job of protecting the engine. I have pulled a lot w/ my 95 C2500 Chevy 6.5TD and had no issues. No problems even w/ a lot of the "weak points" everyone points out on the 6.5 chevy. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Of course, my dad used to tell stories of when he started out trucking in his B61 Mack w/ 172 HP Thermodyne motor. He had a mirror looking at the stack so he could tell how much fire was on top. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Not something you want to do w/ a late model turboed engine /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

TractorLegend · Feb 13, 2006

I would rather have an accurate warning light system---i mean really---how many people are fixed on their guages on a long drive?? I hope you are looking at traffic!
I look at the gas guage casually I guess but have caught myself NOT looking at the oil pressure guage and could have baked my engine. So I have rigged low limit senders along with tiny red pilot lights (1/4" Radio Shackers) right next to the offending stock guages on my old rebuilt 1985 Suburban, the volt warning "idiot" light has paid off at least twice.
Napa can set you up with various oil pressure senders, I used a d.p.d.t. relay off a field wire on the charge light circuit for the charge light.

cowboydoc · Feb 13, 2006

I agree with Egon. If you're going to be pulling I would have without a doubt a transmission gauge. If you are in hills I would definitely get an egt gauge. A boost gauge is a plus. Not only to see how much boost you are making but it gives you and idea if you ever wonder how your power is, if there is a problem etc. For example when your turbo starts to go your boost will go down. If you feel power is down and boost is down then you know you have some serious problems. All in all gauges are a great idea. You will know when there are potential problems before they become big problems.

40Kchicks · Feb 14, 2006

My wife bought me a 3 pillar gauge set for my F350 last year as a birthday present. I think it's really nice to have the gauges. Once I was pulling a trailer with a large feed bin on it. The transmission overheated and the truck went into limp mode where it only gives half power. I had no idea what was going on because I didn’t have the gauges at the time. When I got off the highway the transmission cooled down a little and my power came back. I took it into the shop and they explained that the truck was protecting the transmission. A gauge would have told me to slow it down things were heating up. If your just driving around with no or small loads I wouldn’t worry to much but if you start pulling big loaded trailers or RV’s I think the gauges would be worth it, they have been for me.

Eric

SnowRidge · Feb 14, 2006

Thanks for the input folks. I only do occasional moderate hauling at the moment. That may change.

I will wait for a bit before I decide whether to go ahead or not. If I do decide to install them, I will probably go with EGT, boost, and fuel pressure, since I have a manual transmission.

Egon · Feb 14, 2006

TractorLegend:

What, Idiot lights ??? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The lights and an audible alarm with set points below or above critical set points would be a pretty good system. It would warn of an impending problem before it becomes a problem. Tie the data points in with a computer that has trending indicators and you would have a real set up.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif [ The fellow with only stock gauges ]