Which pressure gauge for a pop tester?
 

I thought I saw someone give the specs and a part number for a pressure gauge from McMaster.com that was suitable for a home made pop tester.

I've searched and searched and can't find it.

Do you know the part number?

Or what the specs are for a good pressure gauge for a pop tester?

I know it should go to about 3000 psi and be accurate to about 2%. But should it be full of glycerin? Is there one with a max pressure needle for cheap?

McMaster.com has this one - glycerin filled, 0-3000 psi, 1% accurate for $16 PArt # 3845K1

Grainger has some too - but they are 2% accurate.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/itemDetailsRender.shtml?ItemId=1613549317

Any thoughts from the experts? Thanks.

I made a pop tester and the gauges that you show are MUCH nicer than mine.
They would work fine and you would have a really nice tool when done.

If I had one thing to change on mine though, it would be to find a gauge with a max pressure needle. I have not found one cheap. I'd hold out for a while to try to find one if you have the time.

Thanks JBA.

Some guy put up a post about putting a needle valve or something on the gauge so you could let the pressure through slowly. I guess that works for the weep test.

Then some other guy put up something about putting a grease fitting after the valve. Since it is a one way valve, it will hold the highest pressure i.e. the pressure that the injector released at. Sounds good, but then how do you release the pressure again?

The valve is for the leak off test. See this, very informative:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=155294&highlight=leak

Clever idea on the one-way grease valve, but you would have to plumb a valve controlled bypass around it to let off pressure (or something like that but smarter ;) )

I've been looking for a pressure gauge with a hold needle - haven't found ANY! The extra plumbing to put a one way valve and a ball valve to release pressure will cost about an extra $70. Not sure if it's worth it.

Anybody know where to get one of these gauges?

Thanks

Hmm, my ampprobe/voltmeter has a max reading scale... I wonder if there is a digital sender that could be plumbed in. then just use the meter as a readout... hmm. it's worth looking for.
John

I think it best to use an A grade=1% accuracy.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...attachment.jpg

not mine, just a pic i found.

This looks like an interesting guage.. http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2007011811523535&item=21-1652-L&catname=hydraulic
I am thinking about making a tester using a grease gun,, or just buy this new one.
http://www.hardysolar.com/shop/product.php?productid=17430&cat=0&page=1