Volt Meter, Clock, Filter Monitor install

[GuglioLS]

Here a few gauges I've been wanting to install. The Volt meter and Clock were scored off eBay, the Filter Minder from NAPA auto parts.

Waiting to be installed...........Mark locations............Check layout...
...


I like the layout because I can see every new gauge clearly with no obstructions. So next is to cut out the 2" holes.

Larry

[GuglioLS]

Starting the first hole, that fiberglass is tough stuff, with a little determination, the saw went clean through with nice sharp edges.



Larry

[GuglioLS]

After finishing the holes and cleaning up all the dusty mess, the Filter Minder gauge was installed first. The picture on the right shows the vacuum hose attached to the filter minder gauge. The other end of that vacuum hose will later be connected to the intake manifold to operate the filter minder gauge. As the air filter becomes dirty over time the intake manifold vacuum will increase causing a reading to appear on the gauge, when the indicator gets into the red zone it will be time to clean or replace the air filter.



Larry

[GuglioLS]

Next up is to run power and ground wires for the quartz clock and volt meter. The starter switch was removed to aid in getting everything hooked up. The volt meter will be connected so that it will only be on when the starter switch is in the run position. Obviously the clock circuit must always be hot so that it keeps time.




Larry

[GuglioLS]

Now that all the wires are run for electricity, and the gauges are installed with the little bolt on metal straps to hold them into position. It was time to complete the hook up of the filter minder vacuum gauge. A plate near the end of the intake manifold was removed to install a 1/8"-27 pipe thread by 1/8" brass barb fitting. The fitting has a built in filter to protect the engine in the event of a vacuum hose failure such as a cracked hose, hose fell off or failure of the filter minder indicating unit itself.

After completing the hose hook up, I started the tractor and blocked the intake to the air filter about 50% and got a reading on the filter minder, the yellow indicator locks onto the highest vacuum achieved. It can be reset by pushing a little button at the bottom of the gauge.




Larry

[GuglioLS]

Well it all works, and I'm pleased with how it all looks. Below is a shot of the completed install from my point of view in the drivers seat:



I reset the filter minder, started the tractor and took this video while Esther partially blocked the air filter intake port. It shows how the filter minder operates. It is very sensitive to air intake restrictions and should work quite well to indicate when the air filter needs maintenance.





This was a fun project adding all these new cockpit monitoring devices (toys) on the tractor. It was very easy and rewarding.

Thanks for checking this out-


Larry

[FLICK]

I was keen to install a filter minder like Larrys but couldn't find a supplier here in Australia...

There was one on eBay in the U.S. but the seller didn't respond to my question about shipping it to Australia....

Larry being the generous guy he is purchased it for me and shipped it over to Australia

I was only expecting to receive 1 instrument, but I got 3 Lucky me it feels like Xmas ...

I received the filter minder, a solid state relay, a digital tire pressure gauge, and a really snazzy little IR non-contact thermometer (and a very kind letter)

I couldn't be happier





The IR thermometer is very impressive and will get lots of use, I'll probably run the battery flat in a week ...lol

Thanks Larry

[FLICK]

I couldn't decide where or how to mount it so I took the easy option and mounted it in a single gauge bracket for the moment:




Same as Larry I drilled and tapped the inlet manifold end plate to 1/8" NPT to connect the vacuum hose:




I'm not real happy with the location, but it will do for now






Down the track I'd like to mount a clear faced electrical enclosure above the dash for my PDA/GPS to live in, I'll probably incorporate the filter minder into this box when I do it... I'll work it out when it happens

Thanks again Larry for supplying me with the filter minder it's greatly appreciated

Matthew.

[FLICK]

My filter minder reads about 50% :


Gave the filter a clean, it was a bit dusty, but not too bad, there was a noticeable layer of dust on the inside of the filter also I can't find any damage on the filter so I guess the dust must be fine enough to make it's way through the filter paper

Cleaning the filter made no difference to the filter minder, as soon as I bumped the revs up to 1500 the filter minder jumped back up to 50%....

Time for a new filter I think


Matthew.

[GuglioLS]

Matthew,

Glad to see all that stuff made it's way safely to you down under.
You picked a good location for the filter minder. Now that you've had it installed for a bit, and I think you changed your air filter, does the filter minder indicate any useful information about the condition of the filter? Mine has not moved since installing it. Mostly because the ground is covered with snow and frozen solid, so there is no dust right now. It will be interesting to see what is "says" after mowing .

Larry