Air filter pressure drop gauge

[JHZR2]

Hi,

I know some GM trucks have, for some time now, had an indicator gauge in the intake ducting, to show how much pressure drop there was across the filter - to indicate when its dirty and in need of replacement.

This seems like a neat idea. I know that these gauges are sold online - from the manufacturer.

Has anyone installed an air filter pressure drop gauge on their engine? If so, how well does it work? Was it hard to get it to seal well?

ANy info/pics of installs, etc. would be great.

Thanks,

JMH

 

[JHZR2]

Here it is:
http://www.filterminder.com/

JMH

 

[tom slick]

keep in mind it has to be specific to your engine and filter setup. they are not a universal fit.

 

[kenw]

What is my return on investment (ROI) based on $10 filters every 6 months or so -vs- the cost of this thing?

Also I notice it doesn't give a true differential reading, only one side compared to atmosphere (it appears). Not exactly the most accurate way to gage it but I suppose it's adequate.

I hate it when they don't give prices......otherwise it's a neat idea. If the cost isn't to much I might consider it.

 

[JHZR2]

A lot of filters arent $10, especially for better ones...

My GF's integra for example, is easily $20 for a replacement...

I believe those filter minders are about $30-31.

JMH

 

[tom slick]

I use magnehelic diff pressure guages on some filters at work. considering a filter change is $1200-1500, the $300 price tag was easy to justify, it has already saved over $3000 compared to the old time based method we previously use.

 

[Winston]

$30 seems like a reasonable price. They do have a chart showing potential savings. Basically the chart showed that it was not necessary to change the filter for 90k miles. Of course it will vary with how dusty your conditions are.

While a true differential pressure gauge would be ideal. I would think that the loss in pressure between the air intake and the inlet side of the filter is negledgable. So, just measuring the downstream pressure will give you a fairly accurate measurement of the filter DP. The problem is that it will vary with rpm. You would need to take measurements at the the same rpm to get a good history.

 

[JHZR2]

I think this one just shows max pressure drop, and records it. Likely if you never go WOT, you might never (?!?) reach the red zone... At least not in over 100k!

JMH

 

[TallPaul]

IN theory it is a nice idea, but I doubt the accuracy of a cheapo plastic gauge.

 

[Gary Allan]

I wouldn't imagine that vacuum gauges that read in "inverse inches of water column" (x" of Hg equals some negitive " of wc) would be that expensive ..especially over the long haul. That's basically what type of fine accuracy you need for a mostly unthrottled draft.

 

[JHZR2]

GM puts them on their trucks (at least they did for a while)... They must do something...

JMH

 

[XS650]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gary Allan:
I wouldn't imagine that vacuum gauges that read in "inverse inches of water column" (x" of Hg equals some negitive " of wc) would be that expensive ..especially over the long haul. That's basically what type of fine accuracy you need for a mostly unthrottled draft.

---

A foot of water column is real roughly an inch of mercury column. The real low pressure stuff does cost more to make because of abucnh extra required sensitivity, but shouldn't be astronomical.

Or you can make a u-tube manometer for free thats more accurate than a $50 gauge with some clear plastic tubing you have sitting around and some water. It would need to be about 2 feet high though.

 

[tom slick]

I can just imagine JHZR2 driving around with a 2" high homemade manometer on his dash!

a manometer would be the cheapest route, we use them on our spray booth paint arrestor filters. the guages are mandated by osha. you would need to know what your maximum pressure difference could be, then calc that out into your manometer design.

 

[mechtech]

I'd just put he money into new filters.

 

[Gary Allan]

quote:

---

A foot of water column is real roughly an inch of mercury column. The real low pressure stuff does cost more to make because of abucnh extra required sensitivity, but shouldn't be astronomical.

Or you can make a u-tube manometer for free thats more accurate than a $50 gauge with some clear plastic tubing you have sitting around and some water. It would need to be about 2 feet high though.

and

I can just imagine JHZR2 driving around with a 2" high homemade manometer on his dash!

---

Sure ..just get some luminescent element and adjust your tube size properly for the equivalent "head" ...

....sounds like a pillar-pod would work just fine.

..this could be a nifty new after market item after everyone has got their rides all pimped out in the traditional manner.

 

[Jim 5]

I have one of these on my Chev k1500 with the vortec 350.

The cylindrical air filter is HUGE. I've never seen the indicator go into the orange zone from the green, and I don't think I could go that long before changing the filter. Maybe i'm changing my filter too soon. I'm changing every 50k miles or so.

 

[Jim 5]

-Just to clarify....

(I have a stock gm vacuum indicator between the throttle body and the filter housing.....not a 2' water manometer on the dash)

 

[road_rascal]

We have those on our stationary turbines here at our plant.

quote:

---

Originally posted by tom slick:
I use magnehelic diff pressure guages on some filters at work. considering a filter change is $1200-1500, the $300 price tag was easy to justify, it has already saved over $3000 compared to the old time based method we previously use.

---