- Dec 12, 2011
- 4,659
Looking at the gauges available, I figured I could build a decent one at a price close to the cheaper ones. I understand now why the expensive ones command their high price and that was after I priced the stainless braided hoses. 
$30-40 per foot and since this won't be used in a commercial environment the hose I used should be more than sufficient.
Could you save about $15 and use a rubber hose for short term use? Probably.
I wanted to build it to withstand moderate temps without causing me any trouble. I went with some high-temp vacuum rated hose 6' in length so I could view the gauge from the drivers seat.
Gauge is a Winters Instruments purchased from Fastenal.
Gauge price $40
Gauge specs:
0-5 Psi Gauge
Hose specs:
Temperature Range: -65° to +350° F
Hose: Silicone rubber
Cover: Silicone rubber
Reinforcement: Polyester
Bend Radius: 1 3/8"
1/4" ID, 9/16" OD, 60 PSI, Blue $3.39 per foot, 6 feet = $20.34 from Mcmaster-Carr
O2 plug was a M18x1.5 drain plug that I tapped for a 1/8 NPT hose barb, sealed with high temp thread sealant rated @ 400 deg F.
Hose barb on gauge end was 1/4"
Total price for everything was about $70
I can always upgrade it later with a stainless braided hose but for now it should serve it's purpose well enough.
Not quite sure how I punched it in the center and ended up way off but needless to say the bit walked.
I drilled in steps, first was 1/8 all the way through, then 1/4" half way down, 9/32" then finishing with 11/32 which is the correct drill bit for the 1/8 NPT fitting.
This M18 plug is rather soft so even the black oxide bits chewed right through it.
Using the high-temp sealant I don't need to worry about any rubber gaskets or teflon tape being exposed to the high exhaust temps.
At some point I will find or build a 5 PSI safety valve I can incorporate in this setup to save the gauge if I encounter an over-pressure.
$30-40 per foot and since this won't be used in a commercial environment the hose I used should be more than sufficient.Could you save about $15 and use a rubber hose for short term use? Probably.
I wanted to build it to withstand moderate temps without causing me any trouble. I went with some high-temp vacuum rated hose 6' in length so I could view the gauge from the drivers seat.
Gauge is a Winters Instruments purchased from Fastenal.
Gauge price $40
Gauge specs:
0-5 Psi Gauge
Hose specs:
Temperature Range: -65° to +350° F
Hose: Silicone rubber
Cover: Silicone rubber
Reinforcement: Polyester
Bend Radius: 1 3/8"
1/4" ID, 9/16" OD, 60 PSI, Blue $3.39 per foot, 6 feet = $20.34 from Mcmaster-Carr
O2 plug was a M18x1.5 drain plug that I tapped for a 1/8 NPT hose barb, sealed with high temp thread sealant rated @ 400 deg F.
Hose barb on gauge end was 1/4"
Total price for everything was about $70
I can always upgrade it later with a stainless braided hose but for now it should serve it's purpose well enough.
Not quite sure how I punched it in the center and ended up way off but needless to say the bit walked.
I drilled in steps, first was 1/8 all the way through, then 1/4" half way down, 9/32" then finishing with 11/32 which is the correct drill bit for the 1/8 NPT fitting.
This M18 plug is rather soft so even the black oxide bits chewed right through it.
Using the high-temp sealant I don't need to worry about any rubber gaskets or teflon tape being exposed to the high exhaust temps.
At some point I will find or build a 5 PSI safety valve I can incorporate in this setup to save the gauge if I encounter an over-pressure.
