Vacuum Gauge

alpha · 08 April 2014, 03:34

I just installed this vacuum gauge and I am not exactly sure how to use it. I have taken the boat out a few times with maybe 25 hours with the new gauge. The pressure on the gauge keeps building every time I use the boat. Hmmm.... How do I use this gauge?

ncp · 08 April 2014, 05:41

Vacuum gauge on the fuel filter? If it gets too high, change the filter /filter element. Your tank could be dirty.

alpha · 08 April 2014, 15:09

Vacuum gauge on fws
Fleet guard filters are fresh
Fuel tank is clean
Fuel line shut off valves full open
6lpa Diesel engine running great
25 hrs on new filter set
Do I reset vacuum gauge each trip? Not sure how to use this gauge

ncp · 08 April 2014, 15:31

Spin on on-engine filter is new too? (you didn't mention it, had to ask)

Can you reach max rpm (or more) at WOT with the boat fully loaded ? I can tell when my filters are clogged because I can't reach rated rpm. On a non electrically controlled Cummins, I usually reach +125 rpm over rated max - which means I'm propped well.

Since it looks like you got that filter set up from sbmar.com, call them or ask the same question on boatdiesel.com.

clloyd · 08 April 2014, 18:19

The gauge has a black and red arrow. The red arrow marks the max pressure you saw during your run. The black gauge should return to 0 when you shut down.

With clean, new filters (all filters including on engine), go out and run at cruise RPM for a minute. Idle back and make note of the red arrow value.

Then go out and run WOT for 30 secs or so. Idle back and note the red arrow value.

According to Seaboard, when the red arrow reads 7 over the clean values, you should change your first Bulk filter.

When it reads 7 over again, you need to change your second fine filter (and on engine as well).

If the guage keeps clmbing into the red zone and keeps going up....then you have a fuel restriction problem.

Mine reads about 6 with clean filters after a WOT run. So at 13 I would make a change.

BTW, you have a very pretty boat.

alpha · 08 April 2014, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncp

Spin on on-engine filter is new too? (you didn't mention it, had to ask)

Can you reach max rpm (or more) at WOT with the boat fully loaded ? I can tell when my filters are clogged because I can't reach rated rpm. On a non electrically controlled Cummins, I usually reach +125 rpm over rated max - which means I'm propped well.

Since it looks like you got that filter set up from sbmar.com, call them or ask the same question on boatdiesel.com.

last chance filter also new
Engine runs great max rpm no problem
I am currently located near no name key FL with bad cell and internet signal so research is tough
Thanks for your help

alpha · 08 April 2014, 18:53

Clloyd Thank you for info
will try test today or tomorrow ...blowing pretty good out there right now
dont get why the black arrow returns to 0 thought it was to mark highest reading?

clloyd · 08 April 2014, 19:43

Can't remember which arrow is red and which black. Yes one is the actual reading and one sticks to highest value.

alpha · 11 April 2014, 20:24

Think I got it now.
Cruise 4"
WOT 7.5"

Thanks guys for the help.