Adding a Fuel Pressure Gauge - In-line vs. Schrader Valve

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Having just had a fuel pump failure on my truck that left me stranded - a failure I could have gotten early warning of if I'd had a FP gauge installed - I'm looking to install a permanently mounted gauge on my B6. My initial thought was to install one of the in-line fittings and gauge such as the one sold by ECS...



But then I started considering alternatives such as the type that just screw into the Schrader valve via an adapter. But that seems to open up a few options. You can either screw into the existing Schrader valve or replace the existing valve with a fitting that you screw your gauge into. It seems if you're removing the Schrader valve there is a "Ford" or "GM /Chrysler" option on the fitting. Hmmm, wasn't expecting options.

Thoughts and/or first-hand experiences on what works best?

[Seerlah]

You need to consider hood clearance. Depending on what you do it may not cause an issue, but the tried and proven route is what many take.

To put things into perspective, I like walking the route of what was "not" tried to see if it works or not. Lots of money wasted on this, but then I learn that there are various alternative ways to go about things. But with the in-line route, that is probably the best route for adapting a fuel pressure monitoring device in the engine bay.

On the flip side my car is a little more modified than other's, but I try to keep it OEM plus. I currently have a Fuelab AFPR in my engine bay with a gauge on it. I also run two dual VEI digital gauges (B5, so different vents) that sit in CNC cut OEM vents with a stepped lip that allow the gauges to sit more recessed (flush). Guy was selling these years back, and I picked up 3 (3 center vents in the B5 center console). I currently have two dual VEI gauges with black exteriors and red LED to match the B5 interior (A/F, IAT, Boost/vacuum, Oil pressure). I plan on running E85, so I contacted VEI and asked them if they could make a custom gauge for me with fuel pressure and ethanol content analyzer. They quoted me $328 for gauge and all necessary sensors, and that is one of the projects sitting at my house I have yet to install (amongst other projects). I run black nylon braided PTFE -6an lines in the engine bay off the stock hard lines using a quick-disconnect to -6an male adapter (if people don't know, this is the most clean and convenient way to install AN lines in the engine bay). I will redo the fuel feed line (all parts for proper install already purchased, sitting in a fuel system upgrade project box at my residence) and incorporate the e85 content analyzer with fuel pressure sensor to be able to monitor in the cabin.

Point being, there are many ways to go about things. But when it comes to what you are looking for, just add it in-line.

[EuroxS4]

Personally I dont think your gonna be able to tell wether a pump is failing. Especially in these cars, most of the time it will start and fail to restart due to worn internal components. I may be wrong but on stock cars normally its a good idea to change the pump every 100-120k miles. B6 and b7 a4's are notorious for fuel pump failure. Then again running the tank very lwo isnt good for the pump either as it uses fuel as a lubricant and coolant as well.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

You need to consider hood clearance. Depending on what you do it may not cause an issue, but the tried and proven route is what many take.

To put things into perspective, I like walking the route of what was "not" tried to see if it works or not. Lots of money wasted on this, but then I learn that there are various alternative ways to go about things. But with the in-line route, that is probably the best route for adapting a fuel pressure monitoring device in the engine bay.

Thanks for the thorough reply. Sounds like in-line is the solution.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Personally I dont think your gonna be able to tell wether a pump is failing. Especially in these cars, most of the time it will start and fail to restart due to worn internal components.

I've seen it mentioned elsewhere on here that some people have gotten an early warning of failure from declining fuel pressure. I figure it's worth the small investment.

Ironically, I proactively replaced the fuel pump on my truck - the one that just failed after less than 2000 miles. I actually put the old one back in yesterday. Spun right up to 70PSI.