Volt Meter, Clock, Filter Monitor install

[GuglioLS]

Today I took the time to install a few gauges I've been wanting. 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

[mjncad]

You have the same tap handle that I do.

Nice job and it looks good too. Don't forget to set the clock back this coming weekend.

[GuglioLS]

MJ,
Is your tap handle chewed up on one end like mine?

Nice job and it looks good too - Thank you.

Don't forget to set the clock back this coming weekend. Yea I installed it just in time for that didn't I well think of it this way, I'll get one more hour of seat time.

Larry

[3RRL]

Larry,
Once again you have managed to add some neat gadgets to your tractor. You are lucky too to have a fiberglass instrument panel to saw into. I would love to add those gadgets, especially the filter minder. The video you made is great. I had no idea it was that sensitive. I have a question, since it has a reset, if your filter starts clogging a little, say 1/4 of the way, when you start working the next day will the filter minder show more clogging or do you have to reset it from the first 1/4 reading?

I would really like to add that feature to my tractor.
It is a very good indicator, especially when working in dusty conditions or brush hogging.
Oh, and I noticed the quartz clock had no second hand? LOL ... what's up with that?
Great job and thanks for sharing.

[mjncad]

Originally Posted by GuglioLS

MJ,
Is your tap handle chewed up on one end like mine?


Larry

No; but I'll bet yours is chewed up for the same reason mine should be as it's next to impossible to keep the blasted jaws tight. I think I'll start using vice grips to tighten mine so it will match yours.

My jaws are getting chewed up on it though. Maybe I should do a little hip pocket movement and get a decent one the next time ENCO has a 10% off sale.