Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Electrical Tech => Topic started by: jpc647 on July 20, 2008, 08:21:30 PM

Title: Boost gauge non functional
Post by: jpc647 on July 20, 2008, 08:21:30 PM
my factory installed boost gauge is not working. It worked a coupel of days ago when I started the car. I took the cluster out, and it appears that the vacuum line is still plugged in. Any ideas?
Title: Boost gauge non functional
Post by: Chuck W on July 20, 2008, 09:03:35 PM
Well, did you trace the line to the engine bay to see if it's still attached  on that end?

Perhaps it's just sticking.

You driven it and gotten it under boost?
Title: Boost gauge non functional
Post by: jpc647 on July 28, 2008, 06:15:30 PM
Yeah, before the transmission and cluster came out it gave me a boost reading. I thought maybe the 2 wire plug going to the tach might have something to do with it, but I don't think so.

Is there a certain rpm is engages? Will it work in park and nuetral or just in drive?
Title: Boost gauge non functional
Post by: bhazard on July 28, 2008, 06:41:08 PM
You only build any real boost with the engine under load, as in, acceleration. You should get a little if you free rev the  out of it (throttle wide open).
Title: Boost gauge non functional
Post by: jpc647 on July 28, 2008, 07:12:59 PM
Thanks a lot. Tonight, around dusk I'll take the car up the street and see. I just put the new transmission in it, she needs a road test anyway.


Shhh, she isn;t registered yet.
Title: Boost gauge non functional
Post by: jpc647 on July 28, 2008, 09:21:02 PM
Well under a load, sure enough the boost gauge worked.

You know, its my first turbo coupe, a nicely kept, adult owned 1987. For what it is, I really wasn't impressed. I'm sorry to say. Maybe the5 speeds go better. But it'll get me through my tiem period of swapping my 198 v6 car to a v8.

Thanks again.
Title: Boost gauge non functional
Post by: Cougar5.0 on July 28, 2008, 09:32:55 PM
I was gonna say, give the gage a wack, but it was the owner that needed a wack! :rollin:
Title: Boost gauge non functional
Post by: jpc647 on July 28, 2008, 09:53:52 PM
Quote from: Cougar5.0;229550
I was gonna say, give the gage a wack, but it was the owner that needed a wack! :rollin:


Yes cougar, it was me being a dummy. I've never had a TC before, so I'm a noob. There I said it.
Title: Boost gauge non functional
Post by: Cougar5.0 on July 28, 2008, 09:56:55 PM
:D Just having some fun :D
Title: Boost gauge non functional
Post by: bhazard on July 28, 2008, 10:31:57 PM
Yes, the autos arent anything to brag about. They are detuned from 190hp to 150hp, and the car weighs 3400lbs. Do the math.

You can do two things-

Swap to a 5 speed, turn the boost up and enjoy MUCH more power

Try to beef up the auto, at bare minimum a trans cooler and shift kit. Then turn the boost up. Chances are the trans wont last though.

But yeah, dont let the sluggishness of your auto car make you think the turbo cars are slow in general. Theres a lot of 2.3 turbos that lay waste to any V8 that challenges.