Introduction
The GlowShift 65mm Fuel Pressure Gauge and 65mm Oil Pressure Gauge Kit are designed for precision monitoring of critical vehicle systems. These gauges offer a reliable way for users to track fuel and oil pressure in real time, enabling early detection of potential mechanical issues. The installation process involves several key steps, including sensor placement, harness routing, and wiring connections to ensure optimal performance and safety.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the installation process for both the fuel and oil pressure gauges, based on the manufacturer's instructions and technical specifications. The goal is to ensure users can install the devices safely and correctly, following best practices outlined in the official documentation.
Overview of the GlowShift 65mm Gauges
Both the fuel and oil pressure gauges from GlowShift are designed for compatibility with a wide range of vehicle models. They feature a 65mm display size and are equipped with a 1/8-27 NPT sensor thread, which is a standard size for many automotive systems. The kits include all necessary components for installation, such as the gauge, sensor, harnesses, mounting bracket, and detailed wiring instructions.
The fuel pressure gauge kit includes a 9-foot sensor harness and a 2-foot power harness, while the oil pressure gauge kit includes similar components. Each product is backed by a one-year limited warranty, covering defects in material or workmanship. However, the warranty does not cover installation-related issues or damages caused by improper installation.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before beginning the installation process, it is crucial to prepare the workspace and verify the contents of the package. Both the fuel and oil pressure gauge kits should include the following components:
- The 65mm gauge
- A 1/8-27 NPT pressure sensor
- Sensor and power harnesses
- Mounting bracket
- Wiring schematic
Users are advised to disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work to prevent electrical shorts or damage to the vehicle's systems. This step is emphasized in both the fuel and oil pressure gauge instructions to ensure safety during installation.
In the event of missing parts, the documentation clearly states that users should stop the installation process immediately and contact GlowShift for assistance. This precaution helps avoid incomplete or potentially hazardous installations.
Installation Process for the Fuel Pressure Gauge
The installation of the GlowShift 65mm Fuel Pressure Gauge involves several key steps, beginning with the preparation of the installation site and the installation of the pressure sensor.
Step 1: Sensor Installation
To install the fuel pressure sensor, users should first identify a suitable location on the fuel system. It is important to ensure that the sensor is installed in a position that allows for accurate pressure readings without interfering with the vehicle's operation. In some cases, an adapter may be required to connect the sensor to the fuel system. GlowShift provides a range of adapters on its website, including thread adapters, T-fittings, and remote line kits.
Once the location is determined, users should place a catch pan beneath the installation point to collect any spilled fuel. The sensor should then be installed using a wrench and secured in place. It is important to ensure that the sensor is tightened properly to prevent leaks or inaccurate readings.
Step 2: Harness Routing
After the sensor is installed, the sensor harness must be routed through the engine bay and firewall. Users should take care to avoid routing the harness near heat sources or moving parts to prevent damage to the wiring. A grommet should be used to protect the harness as it passes through the firewall.
The harness should then be connected to the fuel pressure gauge. The manufacturer recommends bleeding off any air from the system before starting the engine to ensure accurate readings.
Step 3: Gauge Wiring
The wiring process for the fuel pressure gauge involves connecting the red wire to a switched 12-volt power source in the vehicle's fuse panel. This power source should be active when the ignition is on. The orange wire should be connected to the headlight switch power source for dimming functionality, while the black wire should be connected to a vehicle or engine ground.
Users are advised to use appropriate automotive-grade wires and connectors when extending power wires to ensure safety and proper functionality of the gauge. The negative battery terminal should be reconnected to test for power after the wiring is complete.
Installation Process for the Oil Pressure Gauge
The installation of the GlowShift 65mm Oil Pressure Gauge follows a similar process to the fuel pressure gauge but with some variations specific to the oil system.
Step 1: Sensor Installation
The oil pressure sensor is installed using a 22mm wrench and requires a 1/8-27 NPT thread size. Users should place a catch pan beneath the installation point to collect any lost oil. In some cases, it may be necessary to drain the oil pan and remove the necessary plugs to access the installation location.
Once the sensor is installed, the sensor harness is routed through the engine bay and firewall, using a grommet for protection. The harness is then connected to the back of the oil pressure gauge.
Step 2: Gauge Wiring
The wiring process for the oil pressure gauge is similar to that of the fuel pressure gauge. The red wire must be connected to a switched 12-volt power source in the fuse panel, and the orange wire should be connected to the headlight switch power source for dimming functionality. The black wire is connected to a vehicle or engine ground.
Users are advised to locate the switched 12-volt power source by accessing the vehicle’s fuse box and removing any necessary trim or kick panels. Proper splice connectors should be used to connect the wires to the power source.
Warranty and Installation Responsibility
Both the fuel and oil pressure gauge kits come with a one-year limited warranty from GlowShift. The warranty covers defects in material or workmanship but does not extend to installation-related issues or damages caused by improper installation. The manufacturer explicitly states that the installation of the product is the sole responsibility of the purchaser and should be performed by licensed professionals.
Improper installation may result in damage to the product or the vehicle, as well as potential safety hazards such as burns or electrical injury. GlowShift does not cover the cost of removing or reinstalling defective products that were improperly installed. The warranty is nontransferable and will terminate if the product is resold or transferred to another vehicle.
Under the warranty terms, the purchaser must return the product to GlowShift for repair or replacement, prepaid by the purchaser, unless the product fails within the first 30 days after purchase in the contiguous United States, in which case shipping is covered by GlowShift. The product must be returned in its original packaging or a similarly protective container. GlowShift does not provide temporary replacement units during the warranty period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both the fuel and oil pressure gauge kits include a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section to address common concerns during installation.
Q: Do I Need Additional Adapters for Installation?
In most cases, an adapter is needed to connect the 1/8-27 NPT sensor to the vehicle’s system. GlowShift provides a range of adapters, including thread adapters, sandwich plates, T-fittings, and remote line kits, which can be found on its website.
Q: What Should I Do If I Encounter Missing Parts During Installation?
If any items are missing from the package, users should stop the installation process immediately and contact GlowShift for assistance. Continuing the installation without all necessary components may result in incomplete or unsafe installations.
Q: Where Can I Find Additional Adapters?
GlowShift recommends visiting its website to find the appropriate adapters for the fuel or oil pressure gauge. The site offers a variety of options to accommodate different vehicle systems.
Conclusion
The GlowShift 65mm Fuel Pressure Gauge and 65mm Oil Pressure Gauge Kit provide users with a reliable and accurate way to monitor critical vehicle systems. The installation process involves careful planning and adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safety and proper functionality. Both gauges require the installation of a 1/8-27 NPT pressure sensor, routing of the harness through the engine bay, and connection to the vehicle’s electrical system.
Users are advised to take all necessary precautions, including disconnecting the negative battery terminal and using appropriate automotive-grade wires and connectors. In the event of missing parts or installation difficulties, immediate contact with GlowShift is recommended to avoid potential hazards.
The limited warranty covers defects in material or workmanship but does not extend to installation-related issues. As such, it is strongly recommended that the installation be performed by licensed professionals to avoid voiding the warranty or causing damage to the vehicle or the product.