Boost gauge install- check valve?
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Boost gauge install- check valve?
I was given an old skool VDO mechanical boost gauge with the "tattle tale" needle...the unit that fits in the clock hole. I installed the gauge by just Tee'ing of the brake booster line in the luggage compartment with a basic brass plumbing T. I DID NOT realize that there was a "gauge install kit" available from North Hollywood Speedo. This "kit" is just a hose with a special plastic T fitting that actually plugs directly into the back of the brake booster. This T looks to be a check valve of some sort.
So is this valve needed for my install? The reason for my question is that this boost gauge doesn't appear to work very well - I really have to hammer my car to get the needle to move. Either it's old and in need of calibration, or I need the special part. So far, my factory supplied tach boost gauge is keeping better track.
So is this valve needed for my install? The reason for my question is that this boost gauge doesn't appear to work very well - I really have to hammer my car to get the needle to move. Either it's old and in need of calibration, or I need the special part. So far, my factory supplied tach boost gauge is keeping better track.
#4
I just got my VDO boost gauge back from NHS. They adjusted the reset on the needle and checked and adjusted the calibration. Works great now and the cost was reasonable with a quick turnaround.
#5
Drifting
Thread Starter
I guess I could test the gauge with a Mityvac pump??
As I mentioned in another thread regarding my upcoming by-pass valve upgrade, my spool seems to be laggy. I really have to work the throttle hard to get the boost. Just doesn't seem to be building...almost like it lacks a certain sensitivity that it once had. I'll check for the obvious worn out sealing o-rings around the intercooler connections.
So I wonder if this gauge is revealing a problem? I've been suspecting that the by-pass valve assembly has been leaking/malfunctioning.
As I mentioned in another thread regarding my upcoming by-pass valve upgrade, my spool seems to be laggy. I really have to work the throttle hard to get the boost. Just doesn't seem to be building...almost like it lacks a certain sensitivity that it once had. I'll check for the obvious worn out sealing o-rings around the intercooler connections.
So I wonder if this gauge is revealing a problem? I've been suspecting that the by-pass valve assembly has been leaking/malfunctioning.
#6
Drifting
Thread Starter
Keep in mind the factory fitting plug on the brake booster already has a check valve on it. The one pictured above just has an extra fitting on it.
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#10
Drifting
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Originally Posted by 911rudy
Maybe now you know why you were given the gage!
#11
Instructor
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
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It does have a really cool old school look to it though. I will definately pick one up in the future, and then have a more accurate "state of the art" eletronic one hidden out of sight.
#12
Originally Posted by sand_man
I was given an old skool VDO mechanical boost gauge with the "tattle tale" needle...the unit that fits in the clock hole. I installed the gauge by just Tee'ing of the brake booster line in the luggage compartment with a basic brass plumbing T. I DID NOT realize that there was a "gauge install kit" available from North Hollywood Speedo. This "kit" is just a hose with a special plastic T fitting that actually plugs directly into the back of the brake booster. This T looks to be a check valve of some sort.
So is this valve needed for my install? The reason for my question is that this boost gauge doesn't appear to work very well - I really have to hammer my car to get the needle to move. Either it's old and in need of calibration, or I need the special part. So far, my factory supplied tach boost gauge is keeping better track.
So is this valve needed for my install? The reason for my question is that this boost gauge doesn't appear to work very well - I really have to hammer my car to get the needle to move. Either it's old and in need of calibration, or I need the special part. So far, my factory supplied tach boost gauge is keeping better track.
#13
When I got my car the clock was already replaced by a mechanical boost gauge.
Now I know why there was a perfectly good stock brake booster vacuum check valve in with the origonal clock in a plastic bag in the trunk...
cool.
Now I know why there was a perfectly good stock brake booster vacuum check valve in with the origonal clock in a plastic bag in the trunk...
cool.
#14
Burning Brakes
Join Date: May 2005
Location: homestead Florida
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Originally Posted by Bernard
Where can I find one of these?