Where do you connect water pressure gauges?
 

I just ordered two mechanical water pressure guages from Livorsi Machine.

They told me to connect them as high up on the motors as possible.

Where is the best place to make the connection and how?

Thanks Mark

on my 388 hustler with 500efis they are in the block where the drain plugs go. wood figure it might get cloded up with rust there?????

fountain uses the block drain plugs also

I too used the block drains. Came out of the block with a 45* street to a T fitting. I used the old merc brass drain petcocks on the down leg of the T. The horizontal leg then goes to the gauge. Because those tiny brass ferrels like to get fermangled, I braized a 45* flair adapter to the compression fitting. Now I can take the connection apart as often as needed without having to replace the ferrel.

what do you do when you want to drain the water in that side ,its going to be a pain in removing it with the hose on it?

It's just as easy to use as a normal drain.

Thanks guys, just a couple more questions.

Does the pressure differ with engine speed? I would assume it would be greater at 4000 RPM than at idle.

Do any of you have the guages mounted in the engine compartment or is it best to have them at the dash to moniter at all times.

Thanks again
Mark

Yep, pressure goes higher as rpm goes up. Figure around 18lbs max. Idle while only be around 3 lbs or so. Fountains have the pressure gauge in the dash. Kinda hard to read the WOT pressure readings with the gauge mounted on the motor in an enclosed engine compartment. ;)

Is there any reason that you can not put the thing in the T-stat neck?

Jon

Audiofn,
Thats where I installed my gauge. Been working OK so far - no problems. It makes for a clean looking install.

Hey Doc,
Fishead here.I was on Pauls Cig during the Jax run the you one.I have the 32 cat that had the blown engine.Just an update.Just bought two new motors and I should be ready to rock and roll for Russ' St Pattys day run in Savanah.Are you going to attend?How are things going.I see you are doing some add ons to the boat.Tell your wife hello and I am definitely going to come to your area this season for some boating fun.The new engines are Troy dennis all aluminum blower motors.785hp each.It should haul a$$.
Mark

Hey Mark,

I remember you well. That was a great poker run. I spoke with Paul just a couple of days ago about boat insurance.

Man, those motors sound awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are also looking forward to the St. Pat day run. You are always welcome up here.

See ya soon.

Mark

Dock,lower on the block runs a greater risk of clogging the lines, rust, soot whatever. I put mine in the intake in one of the water jacket holes. No clogging problems. All you need is a brass fitting in place of what should curently be a brass plug. Look for it on either side of the thermo housing, a few inches left or right. Probably one on each side. I run about 29 psi WOT. A little high, probably need a dump off so I don't injure my Head gaskets. I have seen Fuel Press guages under the hatch, but I always like all the guages on the dash to keep an eye on what is shaking mith my $10k hunk of metal:D

I've always ran pressure gauges off the the t-stat housing. Never had a problem clogging either. Just think how you have to stick a screw driver in the block hole to break loose the sand every fall when you drain the block:( .

Allan4 ,
I agree about the fuel pressure gauge location...What good is it in the engine compartment:confused: . The only use gauges are in the engine bay is for a second opinion:rolleyes:

I have mine in the t-stat housing. It works fine and if it were to leak the spray would be easy to find.

My .02

Chris,

I have the gauges mounted, but have not plumbed them yet. There are no tapped holes in my thermostat housing. I plan to get back on this project Saturday. It looks like the easiest way will be at one of the drain plugs. We will see.

I'l keep you posted.

Mark

Pressure gauge tap-in
 

I just installed a pair of water pressure gauges. As noted earlier, you can install directly into the intake manifold. You should have a couple of 1/2" hex caps in the top of your intake just forward of the carb or EFI. I installed both lines here. Actually you can get all of the brass hardware from home depot in the plumbing department. 1/2" hole (pardon the expression) with a 1/4 or 1/8 tube fitting. Make sure you bleed the lines. They work fine.

Hope this helps.

Still battling with high water pressure, chane to a larger seawater pump pulley. I had over 40lbs. Also, sounds odd, but I have extended the drive to seawater pump tubing an extra couple of feet. Believe it or not, the farther the water has to travel the lower the pressure. Probably not recommended, but I keep my eye on the gauges and it has lowered the pressure.

Re: Pressure gauge tap-in
 

Thanks for the information. I was also told that if you go too large on sea strainers that the water pressure will drop.