Fuel Pressure Gauge Isolator
A fuel pressure gauge isolator is used with mechanical fuel pressure gauges. It helps to safely isolate the fuel source from the interior of the cab. This makes certain that no fuel, no matter what type of fuel, can enter the cab even if a gauge or the tubing were to fail completely. This protects all of the occupants in the vehicle from both fuel fumes and from getting fuel all over them. It also helps to protect the vehicle and its occupants from catching fire or even exploding in the event of a crash or other type of accident. It also makes the vehicle's cab a safe place for lighting a cigarette, an act which could ignite any fuel in the cab.
Most fuel pressure gauge isolators feature a body made out of die-cast zinc. These bodies are then plated with chrome to help protect the metal. A bellows diaphragm is used to separate the gauge fluid from the actual fuel itself. This creates a barrier that provides absolute, complete isolation of the fuel while at the same time creating a volume displacement that lets the gauge measure the pressure without effecting the isolator or its readings at all. Some types of fuel pressure gauge isolators actually use an antifreeze solution to transmit the pressure reading to the gauge. This solution flows through a hose that is attached to the gauge.
The fuel pressure gauge isolator can be mounted in your vehicle's engine bay and must be attached to both the fuel pressure source and the fuel pressure gauge. Once it's in place, it will block all dangerous vapors and liquids from getting into your vehicle's cab. If you're driving a large truck or other vehicle that has a fuel pressure gauge located inside the cab, you should install a fuel pressure gauge isolator to insure that no fumes get into the cab. In fact, many of the safety regulations for various vehicle inspections require that you have a fuel pressure gauge isolator installed in the vehicle.
If you don't have a fuel pressure gauge isolator in your vehicle and you need one, most auto stores actually sell an isolator kit that you can purchase. If you are mechanically inclined, you can install the fuel pressure gauge isolator yourself; if you're not, you can take it to a friend or a qualified mechanic and, for a small fee, they will install it for you.
What will you need to install your fuel pressure gauge isolator? The kit should contain all of the parts of the isolator itself. You may need to pick up some Teflon tape, and you will need a wrench and screwdriver. Remember, too, that the following steps will apply to most fuel pressure gauge isolators, but each brand may be slightly different, so you should always follow the instructions that come with the kit.
First, you wrap some of the Teflon tape around each of the adapters and install them on the ports of the isolator. Then you need to mount the entire isolator in your vehicle under the hood using the fasteners that came with it. You might also want to install a thread locker to any mounting screws you use to make certain they don’t vibrate lose. Next, add any antifreeze that you need to. Then connect the pressure gauge tubing to the isolator, and remember to wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the fittings before you attach it to the isolator. Then connect the fuel source to the isolator. Your fuel pressure gauge isolator should now be installed and should give you a correct reading.
