Is my bargain boost gauge knackered?

[djscorch]

I bought an Autometer Phantom off eBay, however the needle is currently sat at about 20 vac (it's not plumbed in, it's sat on my desk!) Is it screwed?

 

[DJ Walkers]

dont think so, mine is like that until i switch engine on

 

[djscorch]

Cheers for that dude

 

[DJ Walkers]

not 100% sure but think so

 

[StanTheMan]

should be reading 0 if it aint plumbed in.... think about it

 

[DJ Walkers]

mine deffo sits at a vac value when off and soon as ignition goes on sits at 0

 

[StanTheMan]

Bizzare, we are talking about mechanical guages here? So at idle it shows 0 vac?

 

[PhilW]

Mine is the same, and its ****ed. Works sometimes and doesnt other times.

 

[StanTheMan]

If theres no vac source on a mech boost gauge it will always show 0 (or near enough), its basic physics. Obv unless its reading +ve pressure

 

[djscorch]

So it's ****o'd then?

 

[StanTheMan]

Unless its a 'feature' of that range of guages, i'd be dubious of its readout.

 

[truCido]

i had a autometer one before and I've got a something or other now and they both sat at near enough 0 and only went to - 20 or whatever it is when I started the car

 

[GlanzaV]

The gauge should show 0 when not plumbed up -- ie. atmospheric pressure (which is actually 1bar but we'll ignore that as it will complicate things)

 

[djscorch]

response from Autometer themselves...

Hello.

If it is mechanical, then that is not correct or normal. I recommend that you send the gauge into us for service at;
Auto Meter Products
Attention Service
413 W Elm St.
Sycamore IL 60178

Please include your name address and phone number as well as a description of the problem. We will be happy to help in correcting this.
Thank you.
Cory
Tech/Service

 

[PhilW]

I had the same response from Auto meter as well, **** that.

I'm gonna take mine apart as it seems the mechanism is sticking somewhere.

 

[djscorch]

I had the same response from Auto meter as well, **** that.

I'm gonna take mine apart as it seems the mechanism is sticking somewhere.

Let me know if you have any luck then dude!

 

[DJ Walkers]

i was wrong with mine its 0 when off 20 vac when switched on! sorry

 

[seli_babe]

It should always sit a zero.... unless your driving!!!

You could fit it and see what PSI you hit, but no doubt it'll be well out..

 

[djscorch]

Think its screwed, fitted it today, just been for a quick drive and...

Sits at 20 Vac when engine is off
Goes to 30 Vac when engine on and not moving
At full boost it reaches a measly 4psi

Ah well - i'll have to treat myself to a brand new one then!

 

[PhilW]

Try and adjust the needle through the hole in the back.