Auxiallry gauges...

[Ghostrider I]

As I am slowly building up my HDJ-80 to an overland vehicle, the thought of auxiallry gauges keeps creeping into my head. With that said, I would like to hear some input on what ones I should install. I have thought of voltage, oil temperature and pressure, water temperature, so far. I am skeptical about exhaust gas temperature, is it reaaly a boon or necessity?

Any brand names I should consider?

Cheers y'all!!

 

[roscoFJ73]

EGTs can tell you a lot about whats happening in the engine, especially if something is going wrong. Voltage, the factory gauge has always been reliable for me.An amperage gauge might be more useful particularly for overlanding if you have fridges and extra lights etc.
As for temperature gauges, I have a simple one with a loud audible alarm if it goes above a pre set level.
Oil temp and coolant temp are closely linked, I dont think you need one of each.

 

[JSparks]

i have just been installing gauges into my new hdj80, as its my first time in an auto i have gone for transmission temp, EGT and boost.
boost is unnecessary but easy to install and good for tuning, EGT is essential in my opinion, i drive by EGT numbers in my 60, i would highly recommend it. i also have coolant temp in my 60 but to be honest i agree with rosco, you just need a too hot alarm, i would probably go with oil temp next time over coolant.
EGT though is an absolute game changer understanding what loads generate heat, and at what speeds. i actually down shift sooner and keep revs higher to keep temps in check which i would have thought was counter intuitive for a diesel

 

[GooSe77]

I have a boost and EGT gauge to keep an eye an my engine, will get an AFR for fine tuning also but noo real need for overlanding. I might get an oiltemp for the tranny .....
But normally the engine is runing nice, just keep an eye on it.
Realy helpfull is to know how full your 2. battery is important to us. We have a solarcharger vom Victron with bluetooth so we know what power is coming in and a BMV700 that tells us how full the battrery is and how is beeing charged or discharged. Helpfull for staying longer tha a night at a sweet spot

 

[mudgudgeon]

Good advice above.

EGT temp gives you a good indication of his hard you are working the engine.
I agree, it's somewhat counter intuitive.
EGT and boost gauges are helpful if you want to tweak the tune


After having an engine overheating issue, I think an engine coolant temperature alarm is a good idea, and it's probably the only gauge I'll be fitting in my new to me FZJ80

 

[IanB]

EGT is a real eye opener and will change the way you drive. A bone stock engine can generate dangerous EGT's that you wouldn't have expected. Trans temp is another that I'd recommend if you drive where there's hills or tow at all. On that note I'd add a trans cooler ASAP if you don't already have one.

 

[Ghostrider I]

EGT is a real eye opener and will change the way you drive. A bone stock engine can generate dangerous EGT's that you wouldn't have expected. Trans temp is another that I'd recommend if you drive where there's hills or tow at all. On that note I'd add a trans cooler ASAP if you don't already have one.

Transmission cooler on a manual? Huh? As for the EGT, I know that I live in a semi-tropical climate (SE USA) and it does get warm in the summer months, but can you elaborate on the necessity for an EGT? Also, how do you install one? Tap into the manifold?

 

[IanB]

Transmission cooler on a manual? Huh? As for the EGT, I know that I live in a semi-tropical climate (SE USA) and it does get warm in the summer months, but can you elaborate on the necessity for an EGT? Also, how do you install one? Tap into the manifold?

Didn't notice you had a manual, disregard, lol.

The best place for the EGT probe is in the manifold collector, just before the turbo. It gets data from all cylinders there, and you don't have to guess about the temp drop across the turbo.

I live on the prairies, and had driven 3 JDM Toyota turbo diesel trucks from Vancouver, through the mountains, and home by the time I got an EGT gauge installed. My first trip with the gauges was alarming! Seeing the effect of being on the cruise control vs. foot control through rolling hills, lugging in OD vs. downshifting to 3rd, the importance of momentum, etc. It changes the way you drive for the better, and lets you get the most out of your truck SAFELY. The stock tune would get to some terrifying highs lugging up hills in too tall a gear, and you'd never know to back off the pedal until it was too late.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Do you have an Intercooler?

 

[Ghostrider I]

Do you have an Intercooler?

No, I do not....recommended? I know the benefits with a vehicle engineered for performance, but a truck?

 

[Gun Runner 5]

No, I do not....recommended? I know the benefits with a vehicle engineered for performance, but a truck?

Highly recommended, along with an EGT. Any diesel will benefit from an Intercooler.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

No, I do not....recommended? I know the benefits with a vehicle engineered for performance, but a truck?

Highly recommended, along with an EGT. Any diesel will benefit from an Intercooler.

 

[JSparks]

Transmission cooler on a manual? Huh? As for the EGT, I know that I live in a semi-tropical climate (SE USA) and it does get warm in the summer months, but can you elaborate on the necessity for an EGT? Also, how do you install one? Tap into the manifold?

The necessity for an EGT comes from the speed it gives you temperature readouts at. you can react to overheating/ overloading an engine within seconds where as by the time a factory temperature gauge moves you have probably been cooking it for a good long time. tapping into the manifold is better and more accurate in my opinion but plenty of people tap into the dump pipe close to the turbo for ease and to remove the risk of a probe getting eaten by your turbo if you were super unlucky.
i work in Celsius so i wont post numbers but there are plenty of threads on pre turbo vs. post turbo temp differences.