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Issue Resolved : What Gauge Should I Use?


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pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 11:14 AM

Post #1 of 66 (3860 views)
Issue Resolved : What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Hi Everyone...

Quick couple of questions if you would please?

I am desiring to make my own Exhaust BackPressure Testing Gauge set-up.

Two questions...

1. Exactly what gauge should I use?, PSI or Vacuum or one with both? And what should the reading on it be? (range)

2. Does the size of the hole at the end of the hose that screws into the 02 port need to be a certain size to get a proper reading on the gauge? Or will the size of the hole be determined by what the gauge itself might require?

Thank you in advance for your help,
John

PS - Any other advise on the subject would be welcome :)


(This post was edited by pede69 on Dec 8, 2012, 11:52 AM)


Discretesignals
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Dec 8, 2012, 11:28 AM

Post #2 of 66 (3851 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

For exhaust back pressure you need to measure PSI. The gauge doesn't need to go very high. The problem with using a mechanical style of exhaust back pressure gauge is that the exhaust could melt the gauge if used to long. What you need is some type of pressure transducer designed to handle high temperatures and an electronic gauge.

Just curious why are you interested in constantly monitoring your backpressure? Is this on a diesel?





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pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 11:35 AM

Post #3 of 66 (3845 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Thank you for your reply...

Well...

I am not interested in a permanent setup. I want to make my own tester. (to check for clogged or stopped up catalytic converters) I have an issue right now and can not fork over 50 to 150 bucks to buy one.

I have a 1999 3.3L Chrysler throwing a 420 and need to check it out. This systems cat does not bolt on, so I will have to cut it. Like to be a bit certain that the cat is the issue first :)

I am very sorry my post was confusing. Hopefully this reply will clear it up.

Plus I would like to have one for future use. I am 53 and have NEVER had anything in a shop. Even rebuild my own motors.

Thank you again,
John


(This post was edited by pede69 on Dec 8, 2012, 11:45 AM)


Discretesignals
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Dec 8, 2012, 11:44 AM

Post #4 of 66 (3837 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Your just wanting to build a back pressure gauge for testing and nothing permanent? If you can find an old o2 sensor, you can gut it and then braze a nipple on the end. The hose doesn't have to be very big. Piece of vacuum tubing say 1/4 will work. Any type of pressure gauge would work, but you want one that reads at a lower end scale such as 0-50 psi. If you can find one lower say 0-10 psi, that is even better because you'll get a more accurate reading.





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(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Dec 8, 2012, 11:45 AM)


pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 11:49 AM

Post #5 of 66 (3831 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

That will do it. You are absolutely awesome.

Thank you very much. My biggest concern was the size of the hole in relation to what a gauge might need to give an accurate reading.

I already have an old 02 sensor, just need to prep it.

Happy holidays,
John


Hammer Time
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Dec 8, 2012, 1:20 PM

Post #6 of 66 (3803 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In


Quote
I have a 1999 3.3L Chrysler throwing a 420 and need to check it out.


How is a backpressure gauge going to help you resolve that code?

The converter does not need to be clogged to set that code.



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pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 1:31 PM

Post #7 of 66 (3794 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Right... but it is the likely suspect, I'm told...

Besides... I needed a reason to make me one. hehe...

BTW... I am also open for suggestions of things to try.

New wires
New plugs
Checked EGR system
Checked Coil pack
Checked IAC
Checked TPS
Tested and cleaned front three injectors. Not rear yet.
Have not checked speed censors.

I honestly do think that I ran it on a misfire too long and screwed up the cat. (actually, my wife did)

Your thoughts?

Rough Idle
And constant minor jerking while driving...
On board computer display system shows OK gas millage.

Does not do it when first started. But... just give it 3 mins :)

Thank you for inquiring,
John


(This post was edited by pede69 on Dec 8, 2012, 1:51 PM)


pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 1:42 PM

Post #8 of 66 (3790 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

BTW...

I also have a laptop scanner setup on it's way to me. Cheap one but the software that I have is, I'm told, one of, if not the best software's available. Just sucks that the 9141 protocol is so damn slow.

It's ScanXL Pro 3.5.1

Tons and Tons of features. Thing is, I'm not exactly sure what that particular PCM will let me see and what it won't. I have the ad-ons for Ford, GM and Mazda. Kind of bothers me that there is not one for Chrysler.

So... we'll see what I can do with it.

John


(This post was edited by pede69 on Dec 8, 2012, 1:49 PM)


Hammer Time
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Dec 8, 2012, 1:56 PM

Post #9 of 66 (3780 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In


Quote
Right... but it is the likely suspect, I'm told.


That's not what I said.
A PO420 is very likely a bad cat but restriction isn't the issue. It simply isn't doing it's job chemically any more. Nothing to do with pressure or restriction so taking a pressure reading isn't going to tell you if the cat is bad.



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pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 1:59 PM

Post #10 of 66 (3773 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Ah...

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

Can you offer some suggestions on things to try on the driveability issue? Based on some of the things I've already tried.

Thanks,
John


(This post was edited by pede69 on Dec 8, 2012, 2:02 PM)


Hammer Time
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Dec 8, 2012, 3:07 PM

Post #11 of 66 (3755 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

The first thing you need to do is determine if it actually is misfiring, which cylinders are misfiring and is it losing spark or fuel to cause the miss. This is where a high quality scan tool would be helpful.



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pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 3:13 PM

Post #12 of 66 (3744 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Thanks Hammer Time...

At scantool dot net what do you think of the OBDLink SX and the ScanXL Pro software as a combo?

Comes with OBDWiz but as I said I have the other already.

I will need to learn how to read all the waveform data and other data.
Actually, I'm quite excited about it :)


Thanks,
John


(This post was edited by pede69 on Dec 8, 2012, 3:20 PM)


Hammer Time
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Dec 8, 2012, 3:23 PM

Post #13 of 66 (3736 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

There are some issues with that system. The biggest being is that the newest operating system that it will work on is Vista. Not Windows 7 or Windows 8 so if you get a new computer, throw the software away.


Quote
all the waveform data


That is not waveform data. This is not a scope. They are merely showing the live data in graph form, which means you can watch the temp rise and fall along with RPM, 0/2 data, etc, etc. I would be careful here.

Also, did you see this


Quote

Please note: This program must be used with an OBDII interface (scan tool).




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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Dec 8, 2012, 3:26 PM)


pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 3:36 PM

Post #14 of 66 (3728 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Hey...

Yes, I seen that. They are referring to to OBDLink SX that I ordered. That is the hardware part of it.

That software is supposed to support ALL generic PID's.
With enhanced Chrysler add-on, on it's way.

Here it the rest of the link to see what it is supposed to do as well as what you mentioned earlier.

Put it after the dot com | /support/supported_vehicles/generic_pids.php

Thanks,
John


pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 3:39 PM

Post #15 of 66 (3722 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

I know it is not what you are used to but hopefully it will help a backyard mechanic like me learn most of what a real scanner will do so I can grow into a better one sometime in the future.

:)


Hammer Time
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Dec 8, 2012, 3:40 PM

Post #16 of 66 (3721 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

That software doesn't do much more than a $100 code reader, except you can display it on a computer. I think it's a waste of money.



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pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 3:40 PM

Post #17 of 66 (3718 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Still... I know three different repair shop owners that use this same software for their mobile jobs :)


Hammer Time
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Dec 8, 2012, 3:42 PM

Post #18 of 66 (3716 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

That's 3 mechanics you shouldn't call when you have a diagnostic problem.



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pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 4:02 PM

Post #19 of 66 (3709 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Wow...

I am going to have to reevaluate my position now, based on what you have said. I must be interpreting something wrong for sure.

All the videos on Youtube that I have been looking at show all kinds of data for that software. Well... I did not even see the pro version there which does much more.

When I search for ScanXL there and look at the vids, I see waveform data and other readings for all major components, like IAC, MAP, 02, TPS, speed censors, timing advance, load values, air intake temp. I mean stuff I do not even know how to explain to you.


Now I will spend the night rechecking my logic. hehe...

Thanks,
John


Hammer Time
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Dec 8, 2012, 4:10 PM

Post #20 of 66 (3702 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Key Features
  • Compatible with all OBDLink Multi Protocol scan tools sold on this website.
  • Supports all OBD-II compliant vehicles, including EOBD and JOBD vehicles. See complete list of supported vehicles.
  • Works on any Windows PC.
  • Scalable vector graphics look great at any resolution.
  • Dyno and Drag Strip measure horsepower (manual transmission only) and acceleration.
  • Customizable Graphs, Maps, and Gauges help make sense of the data.
  • With Freeze Frames you will be able to retrieve a "snap-shot" of sensor data when your ECU stores trouble codes.
  • Don't wait until you have a problem with your vehicle. Use ScanXL's Data Logger to record healthy engine parameters and use that data to help spot problems in the future.
  • Alerts feature produces an audible warning when a parameter value (coolant temperature, RPM, etc) goes outside normal operating range (Pro version only).
  • After clearing trouble codes, check Monitor Status to see if your vehicle is ready for emissions testing.
  • The Vehicle Manager can keep track of multiple vehicles and owners simultaneously.
  • Javascript engine lets user define custom parameters (miles per gallon, acceleration, etc).
  • Multi-language support: German, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Italian, Greek, and Spanish.









All this is just a real hyped up description of things most every scan tool does. It does not have any lab scope functions so you are not seeing any wave patterns. All you are seeing is the regular live data displayed in the form of a graph instead of text.


This would be my biggest concern. Windows Vista has been obsolete for 3 to 4 years. This stuff still operates on Windows 95. It has to be real basic stuff.


Minimum Requirements Operating System Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP and Vista



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 4:37 PM

Post #21 of 66 (3693 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Ol well...

Maybe I can still use it as a stepping stone.

Thanks for all your time. Now back to trying to figure out my problem :)


John


Hammer Time
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Dec 8, 2012, 4:42 PM

Post #22 of 66 (3688 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

The basic scan tool and software package would be fine as a DIY system but I don't see how the hell they can possibly justify the $75 per manufacturer for their so call "enhanced" software. It's all just generic code reader stuff.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 4:46 PM

Post #23 of 66 (3684 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

I don't have any idea about the enhanced ad-ons except that I have them and they are supposed to have manufacturer specific PID's that are beyond the basics.

J


Hammer Time
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Dec 8, 2012, 4:49 PM

Post #24 of 66 (3679 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Any code reader will read manufacturer specific codes and give the the number. They just won't have the definition and you just have to look it up. No big deal.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



pede69
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Dec 8, 2012, 4:49 PM

Post #25 of 66 (3676 views)
Re: What Gauge Should I Use? Sign In

Probably "just basic" to you because you probably have one of those 10k machines that already does EVERYTHING. hehe...

J






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