Installed Boost Guage, no Boost Reading

[tactdi]

I installed a NewSouth 0-35psi boost gauge, and am not getting a reading at idle. At about 2000 RPMs, I can see the gauge move a little off of zero.

I double checked the pressure line from the fitting on the intercooler pipe to the guage, and do not see any kinks or pinches. For the intercooler fitting, I drilled and tapped a hole to install the fitting that came with the gauge. I installed the fitting on the hard plastic pipe that runs by the cam belt cover before the 90 degree bend into the intake.

http://home.comcast.net/~ta.cohen/pwpimages/IMG_0045.jpg

Is this the proper place for the fitting?? Anything else to check? Maybe the 90 degree fitting on the back of the gauge?

 

[Vince Waldon]

Are you sitting in the driveway, or driving down the road?!

The engine needs a load -> to call for fuel -> to generate heat -> to develop boost, so you won't see any appreciable boost at idle or 2000 RPM parked.

Looks like you've done a fine job of your install... go for a ride and see what happens.

 

[tactdi]

Thanks,

The gauge works fine, took the car for a drive and the gauge moves through the range.

 

[Farfromovin]

Thanks,

The gauge works fine, took the car for a drive and the gauge moves through the range.

Rotflmao, sorry but that was funny! That's a perfect place to tap for the line btw.

 

[Aquaticmind]

Looks nice. Post a pic of the gauge, if you would.

 

[tactdi]

Here are pictures of the installed gauge. I did chip the vent molding when it was removed. I used a plastic putty knife, should have bought those trim removal tools.

http://home.comcast.net/~ta.cohen/pwpimages/VWBoost1.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~ta.cohen/pwpimages/VWBoost2.jpg

 

[seantdi]

sorry for the hijack but you dont happen to know what the fitting you screwed into the hard plastic pipe is called do you? i got a T piece with mine which is no good for the tdi

 

[milehighassassin]

sorry for the hijack but you dont happen to know what the fitting you screwed into the hard plastic pipe is called do you? i got a T piece with mine which is no good for the tdi

1/8" NPT is the tap size.

It is basically just a male nipple.

 

[tactdi]

sorry for the hijack but you dont happen to know what the fitting you screwed into the hard plastic pipe is called do you? i got a T piece with mine which is no good for the tdi

It is called a NoBuzz fitting. Not sure where you would find just the fitting. It came with my gauge kit from KermaTDI.com.
Even with the fitting, my gauge buzzes a little.

It is a 1/8" NPT thread size. I got a tap and dye set from Harbor Freight with a collection of different sizes that did include 1/8" NPT, but not the drill bit. (21/64?? or something) I found a drill bit that was almost the correct size (5/16) at Northern Tool, who also had just the tap, if you do not want to purchase a kit.

The plastic pipe has some thickness to it, so a tap does make several threads in the pipe to hold the fitting. To get the gauge installed while you search for a NoBuzz fitting, search the threads on the Forum, I remember seeing some DIY instructions that used a fuel filter on the hose line to reduce buzzing, then you can use a brass 1/8 NPT fitting from a home improvement store.

 

[milehighassassin]

If you are using a brass fitting you really don't need a tap. Just drill the correct size hole (size smaller) and the brass fitting will thread in fine.

 

[LNXGUY]

The top of a Q-Tip shoved into the hose leading to the boost gauge is a great way to get rid of any buzzing.

 

[Marinel]

Where did you get the kit from? Did you have to buy the gauge and all the hardware separate or did it all come with the kit? I'm considering getting a boost gauge like yours.

 

[Marinel]

I just installed mine today and I'm impressed by how it looks. The lighting matches perfectly with the stock gauges. I have a little buzzing also but it dosent bother me. With my stock tune it peaks at around 18psi.

 

[tactdi]

any spikes to 25-30? I have seen mine peak at about 20, and sometimes it spikes to 25-30.

 

[Marinel]

No mine never gets that high. It spikes to about 18 psi for like half a second in second gear at around 2000 rpm. Other than that it never gets higher than 15psi no matter how hard I push it.

 

[andreigbs]

Funny, mine always spikes to about 22 then settles at 18 or so... Something must be wrong with my TDI.









Wait for it,






Yeah, it's the RC1+ which ROCKS, btw (2+ years later and I'm still excited about it, wow) Thanks again, Jeff!