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#1
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Boost gauge install .. looking for some tips
In trying to get my mind off a week of unpleasantry (family wedding, yikes), I'm ordering and planning to install a VDO boost guage in the 124. I've chosen the ashtray as my location and I'm going to T into the pressure line going to the ALDA. My questions are:
-What's the simplest way to run the tubing through the firewall and out of the ashtray opening where the back of the gauge will be? -What's the procedure for hooking up the lighting? Don't have much experience with wiring, but I'm assuming it's fairly straightforward. -I'm ordering from Egauges ... do I need to order anything other than the gauge (30PSI Vision Chrome)? I have the tubing and T connection.
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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles 1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles 2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles 1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles 1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car) |
#2
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there are usually plugs in the firewall for vacuum lines with one or two open.. or the holes where the AC lines run into..
I did not hook up my light wiring but what you probably need to do is wire it into something that is on when the headlights are on so it is illuminated.. I dont know the 124 chasis so I cant really tell you |
#3
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I put mine above the left speaker on my 124- I never had a really good spot to put it, but wanted it closer to line of sight than the ashtray.
anyways I did same as above and ran the tube through where the rest of the wiring came through. remove the lower dash panel and trans tunnel panel on the left side and that should give you the access needed to install your stuff, i'll try and get pics
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1980 500SE/AMG Euro 1981 500SEL Euro 1982 380SEL 1983 300TD 1983 500SEC/AMG Euro 1984 500SEC 1984 300TD Euro 1986 190E 2.3-16 1986 190E 2.3 1987 300D 1997 C36 AMG 2003 C320T 4matic past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350 |
#4
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here ya go. gauge line is yellow, leftover from a parts car
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1980 500SE/AMG Euro 1981 500SEL Euro 1982 380SEL 1983 300TD 1983 500SEC/AMG Euro 1984 500SEC 1984 300TD Euro 1986 190E 2.3-16 1986 190E 2.3 1987 300D 1997 C36 AMG 2003 C320T 4matic past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350 |
#5
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Get the 0-15 psi gauge. 0-30 won't show enough movement.
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71 220D 169K wrecked 83 240D 118K sweet 4 speed 91 350SDL (one of the 60% good engines) 156K 84 300d (loaner to my sister) 189K 79 300SD (partswagen) 86 420SEL partswagen 70 220d (partswagen) 68 280s GASSER!!! under construction now 85 300sd 310K miles winter beater car retired 93 300d 2.5 turbo 168K wife's car 83 280SL euro 5 speed 155K 69 250S newest project 54K |
#6
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I wired mine right into the fuse block. If you want the gauge to light when the ignition is on, pick a fuse with a constant. If you want them to light only when the lights are on, wire it into the headlight fuse.
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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions) '08 Chevy Tahoe '93 Ducati 900 SS '79 Kawasaki KZ 650 '86 Kawasaki KX 250 '88 Kawasaki KDX200 '71 Hodaka Ace 100 '72 Triumph T100R |
#7
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Be careful drilling holes in the ashtray area -- in the 124 cars, the sensor for the airbag is behind the ashtray!
You may need an adapter to fit the vacuum hose onto the gauge but that should be available from your local hardware store. Tee into the line before the safety switch, not before. Lots of existing rubber ports through the firewall. A 15 psi gauge is plenty, 30 psi is too high, as was said. Mine rarely gets above 10 psi. Seems to me that the lighter is illuminated so you could steal the wire from its lamp to illuminate the gauge.
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"Buster" in the '95 Our all-Diesel family 1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car 2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022) Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762 "Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz." -- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970 |
#8
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Thanks guys. My gauge was shipped today (I went with the 15PSI as advised) and I'll update once I get it and dig in.
So do you have to drill holes to get the tubing into the ashtray area, then? I can see now how to get it past the firewall, but can't see how to get it into the console and out the ashbin.
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1987 300D, arctic white/palomino--314,000 miles 1978 240D 4-speed, Euro Delivery, light ivory/bamboo--370,000 miles 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited, light khaki/slate--140,000 miles 2018 Chevy Cruze diesel, 6-speed manual, satin steel metallic/kalahari--19,000 miles 1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4-speed manual, blue/blue, 130,000 miles 1995 S320, black/parchment--34,000 miles (Dad's car) |
#9
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I'm doing the same, and I wish I would have gotten the 0-30 gage.
mine tops out the 0-15. It's better to have a gage that reads more than what you need (or thought you needed) Stock t3 spikes to (an estimated) 18psi. I think it's a boost leak/wastegate problem. I'd hate to see what the temps are on the exaust side (and yes, a rebuild is planned - It's getting a bigger turbo, intercooler, external wastegate and propane injection) and it's already the fastest 300d i've seen
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-1983 VW Rabbit LS Diesel (5speed, VNT/Giles build) |
#10
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Then I guess you've been hanging out on the wrong side of the state LOL!!
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Gone to the dark side - Jeff |
#11
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instead of driiling.If you dont smoke.remove ashtray.Go to specialty wood shop and buy piece of rosewood that is same size approx.refinish with a boat varnish(very durable and shiny).drill hole for gauge and lighter socket(assuming you have a car charger for phone).Install gauge and socket.run vac line from intake port thru firewall above steering and thru console to back of newly made gauge mount.attach and use screws from ashtray to install(pre-existing holes)
Worked out quite well for me.sorry no camera for pics and no cell either,but I put socket in anyway for passengers that do have them. |
#12
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The 1987 W124 is a different car, unfortunately, making an ashtray install possible but harder to do than your 1984 and my 1985 W123 models. The ash tray is shallower in the 124 and behind it is the sensor for the airbag so space is definitely at a premium.
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"Buster" in the '95 Our all-Diesel family 1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car 2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022) Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762 "Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz." -- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970 |
#13
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I would have never thought a Diesel turbo would put out over 15 psi in its stock form. Learn something new every day.
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#14
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If you need phone assistance, you always know where to find it!
Check those manauls I know you have to find where the factory illumination wire is.......
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-Matt EPA Section 609 Certified MVAC Technician ----------------- Oil Burner Kartel Member #10 Ahh the smell of Diesel Fuel, it's like coffee in the morning! My Car: 1982 300SD Turbo Diesel (231,500 miles!) RIP 1984 300SD Turbo Diesel Custom (235,500 mi on driveline.) - On Road!! www.icsrepair.com |
#15
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Quote:
Not to sure about the 3k though...
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-1983 VW Rabbit LS Diesel (5speed, VNT/Giles build) |
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