L400 gauge

[Glenn Delwood]

Just took out the inclinometer on L400. It leaked and it also broke the tiny bit of plastic (inside) that stays on the little channel to keep the ball on axis.
Q1: Do you have one that works that you are willing to part with?
Q2: In case you've responded "no" to Q1, what kinda cool gauge should I put in place. I don't have a pyro yet, so that might be an option, or if I found some other type of inclinometer/altitude gauge, that might work too.
Thx.

Glenn Delwood

[Big-Bird]

The 2 1/16 gauges from Autometer fit perfectly in the spot where the inclinometer and volt meter go.

Autometer also has a 2 5/8 Pyrometer that can be installed where your tempurature device resides.

It takes a fair amount of careful sculpting on the backend to make it fit right.

I can PM some photos of my setup if you like.

I also have some instructions on how to fix your inclinometer ball. All you need is mineral oil, a metal pin and some JB Weld.

[Glenn Delwood]

Yes, Big-Bird, PM so I can see what's it about. I'd like to keep my outside temp. somehow but the compass is very user-unfriendly, although useful.
The ball is a bit cracked and it leaks but I'd like to fix it. It seems useful when "off" the road.

[psilosin]

I put a boost gauge where the inclinometer was and an EGT gauge where the voltage meter was.

Be aware there is some fidling-trimming-thinking involved as the original gauges are kind of built in so they need to be removed and remnants of the mounts need to be trimmed out of the way while leaving enough bits behind so the new gauges can affix to something. Not difficult but it is not just a simple pop the old out pop the new in.

More info: http://www.delica.ca/forum/boost-and-py ... 10720.html

[doodah]

It's my understanding that a pyro gauge is not really necessary for an L400, so get something that's useful

[psilosin]

A pyrometer is one of the most useful gauges you can get for any diesel...even on an L400.

I can easily push my EGT temps into the danger zone going up big highway hills, my gauge is programmed to light up a warning lamp at 1200oF so my foot knows when to take it easy.

[Big-Bird]

Granted the L400 does not come stock with a Pyro gauge, nor a boost gauge but I refer to mine constantly when I know the engine will be pushed. Excessive high heat on a turbo assembly is just bad news. I also use my pyro as an indicator to make sure the exhaust temps are between 300 and 400 degrees before I shut the engine off......personal choice.

[Glenn Delwood]

It would be helpful to see how you guys did the installs. I guess once I decide which gauges go where, I'll revisit this post for more questions or do more searches on the net. One question arises now: can I splice in to the already existing wires that come to the console for power? What about sensors and probes. How do you lead them into the engine bay?

[Big-Bird]

I have an attitude ball, its not cracked but the mineral oil dripped through the cheap plug. The plastic alignment pin also broke...this is common according to many Paj and Deli owners.

The fix is straightforward.

Remove the factory fill plug and align the ball groove with the pin location.
Dremel drill out the spot where the plastic pin was, make sure the groove on the ball is aligned.
Hobby shops carry small diameter metal rods but a little creativity with a stainless finishing nail will also work.
If you get debris inside while drilling a squirt of canned air or some other low pressure air supply works.
JB weld the metal alignment pin and ensure the groove stays aligned. Qtips can help jam the ball so it doesn't move while the epoxy cures.

Using a plastic syringe inject silicone oil until you have a small air bubble gap. The fluid needs rooms to expand on hot days or it will leak again.
Wipe excess oil and cap with JB weld.
Our Friends at MDOC also have tips.


http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=22943

[grolly6]

Just took out the inclinometer on L400. It leaked and it also broke the tiny bit of plastic (inside) that stays on the little channel to keep the ball on axis.
Q1: Do you have one that works that you are willing to part with?
Q2: In case you've responded "no" to Q1, what kinda cool gauge should I put in place. I don't have a pyro yet, so that might be an option, or if I found some other type of inclinometer/altitude gauge, that might work too.
Thx.

Glenn Delwood

If you want to buy me a suitable pyro gauge, I'll gladly give you a working inclinometer:-)

[insideout]

I took mine out today to inspect and ccan't figure out the problem.
My inclinometer still has fluid in it but there is a bubble. The fill hole plug is still intact and the locating pin is still in the track at the back. I've tried shaking it and hitting it on the table to free it but no luck

Besides tossing it, does anyone have suggestions to what might be my problem ?