Buying guages [finally]

[Roger Scraggs]

I probably don't actually need them but I'm going to get a couple of gauges. Trans Temp and EGT. From my signature you'll see I've done a few mods, added a few bits and pieces over the years, and run a Superchip 1705 in the TOW setting which is perfectly adequate for 90% of my travels.

Question: What is the max SAFE Trans temp and also the max SAFE pre turbo EGT?

Question: What length pyro probe is recommended?

I'm considering Isspro gauges... any comments?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Roger S.

[pabrannan]

My trans temp ranges from 150 to 185* depending on what I'm doing. You shoud never exceed 1250* pre-turbo, crusing down the I-state I avg about 600 to 750*. The probe should be mid way in the exh. manifold or up pipe.

Paul B

[Roger Scraggs]

Thanks Paul.
Roger

[MJPliska]

As far as the probe length, I use the short ISSPRO probes (My personal favorite is R658SHT-8F-PL, which also gives you a sealed connector in place of the ring terminals which require heat shrink). You want to install it at a depth such that the probe tip is approximately at the center of the exhaust manifold or pipe. I usually poke a piece of wire in to see the full depth, then hold it up to the probe and mark it so I know how deep to install it.

Regards,
Michael Pliska

[Roger Scraggs]

Noted.
Thanks Michael.
Cheers! Roger

[wpetko]

I have a set of Autometer gauges (see sig) and I have a voltmeter in addition to the pyro & trans temp because the later models deleted the voltmeter to make room for the useless factory trans temp gauge. The Issopro gauges have a great reputation and I'm sure you will like them. I don't know about the probe length because I just had mine installed at Diesel Innovations in Houston and didn't worry about probe length.
As far as temps - everyone says that at EGTs of 1300 degrees bad things start to happen so I keep mine at or below 1200. I also use my pyro to know when the turbo has cooled off enough to shut the engine down (400 degrees for the 6.0 liter & 350 for the 7.3). You can speed up the cooldown by downshifting right before the truck stops and then turn off the AC and put it in park while it idles.
I have heard that the max temp for the trans fluid is 200 degrees so I keep mine at 180 or 185. Better safe than sorry. I'm not saying these temps are "the law", it's just what I do.
Good luck.

[SmokeyWren]

[ QUOTE ]
Question: What is the max SAFE Trans temp and also the max SAFE pre turbo EGT?

[/ QUOTE ]

Ford says the max safe tranny temp for your E40D tranny is 221º, but it's okay to let it go a bit higher for a short time so you can top out the pass. That assumes your sender is in the pressure port on the side of the tranny, or in the sump.

So my rule is anything below 200º is hunky dory, 200º to 220º is the PAY ATTENTION zone, and don't let it go over about 225º to 230º.

For normal crusing, even mountain climbing with a heavy trailer at over 40 MPH, you should never see over about 200º to 210º. But slow down to less than 40 MPH while dragging a heavy trailer and the tranny temps can soar.

International engineers told us that you can cruise all day at 1,200º pre-turbo EGT, but don't let it go over 1,250º.

[ QUOTE ]
I'm considering Isspro gauges... any comments?

[/ QUOTE ]

I have ISPRO EV gauges. They're great. Regardless of brand, you want clear marking around the tranny temp red line area of 220º to 230º. The ISSPRO EV is the best I've seen for that.

ISSPRO makes three different pyrometers in the EV line. One is not color coded, and two are. If you get a color coded pyrometer, be sure you get the one that's for pre-turbo install. It will have the red line at 1,250º. Apparently, ISSPRO was listening to the International engineers. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]

[Roger Scraggs]

Thanks.
Roger S.