Vacuum gauge

[alanporter]

I have decided to put a vacuum guage in the diesel fuel line on my sailboat. However, I cannot remember whether it goes between the in-line primary filter and the fuel tank, or between the filter and the engine. Can someone please help ?
Thanks.

<hr width=100% size=1>Alan Porter

 

[VicS]

What's the purpose of this guage?

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[alanporter]

It indicates when the filter is becoming clogged and needs to be replaced. It shows that the fuel pump is finding it harder to suck the fuel through the filter.

<hr width=100% size=1>Alan Porter

 

[William_H]

Obviously it needs to be on the engine side of the filter you are most concerned about. If you connect near the pump it will cover both primary and main filter but you won't know which one if you get a high suction. just guessing will

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[david]

I have one fitted by the builders but also in the line is a separ filter.

In order from the tank it is : Tank, Separ filter, Vacuum guage, Engine.

<hr width=100% size=1>David

 

[pvb]

Connect it between...

Connect it between the primary filter and the engine fuel pump. You can just add a T-joint in the pipework and connect the vacuum gauge to it with plastic/nylon pipe. It will then show you the amount of "suck" needed to draw fuel through the primary filter.

I fitted a Racor vacuum gauge several years ago after having suffered for a time with rampant diesel bug. I find the gauge is a useful indication, but it is quite affected by temperature (and maybe by atmospheric pressure). Mine is fitted in an instrument panel, above an illuminated fuel gauge, and I find that after a time the heat from the light in the fuel gauge affects the reading of the vacuum gauge. If doing the job again, I'd try to find a location with a more constant temperature to mount the gauge in.

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[alanporter]

Many thanks for the responses everyone. What you say makes sense. I guess my brain was out of gear. Good sailing. Alan

<hr width=100% size=1>Alan Porter

 

[pandos]

quick question.
would this gauge tell if the engine began to draw air from a tank because of a violent pitching action or going too long on the one tack.

many thanks.

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[pvb]

No...

If the primary filter is in good condition, the vacuum gauge will register very little vacuum, so if the fuel pickup starts to draw air, the vacuum will drop, but the drop will be virtually imperceptible. However, if you think this is a possibility, perhaps the geometry of the fuel pickup needs attention.

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[pandos]

Re: No...

thanks for that.

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