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Saleen Boost Gauge Problem?

15K views 10 replies 6 participants last post by  saleen688  
#1 ·
I have a real problem with my boost gauge or something. My gauge is very eratic and will actually vibrate (for lack of a better word) between 4 to 5, 8 to 9, a little of each sometimes. It rarely suprises me with a nice linear movement to 10psi at redline. This eratic behavior is not limited to the upper rpm range either. I have fully cleaned my belt and pullies with clean water, installed the larger idler pulley below the alt bracket to get a little more spring pre load on the tensioner. I have the right size belt and do not have any "belt dust". All of my vacuum lines are correct and tight. Also my boost actuator is working properly.
The car runs like a bat out of hell but I can't stand looking at this friggin gauge! :hypno:
Has anyone had a similar problem? I wasn't planning on replacing my gauges this soon. I don't think my belt is slipping and I am not sure that it would affect boost the way my gauge is reading if it was. Any help would be appreciated.
:help:
 
#2 · (Edited)
Where is it your boost gauge connected? It's probably not the best setup but my boost gauge is not connected to the front of the blower. That sending unit has been removed and the boost gauge is tapped into the fuel pressure sending unit vacuum/boost line. I get accurate readings and no gauge bounce.

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Had to throw this one in there...

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#3 ·
Well, it seems as though everyone with a Saleen gauge has or will have issues with them. My gauge would not read over 6 psi at any time with the 3.4 inch pulley. It is either the gauge or the sending unit. I put a Autometer gauge in and now my boost is 10 psi and very very steady. I would highly reccommend changing out the gauge if you want any kind of accuracy. Besides that the Saleen gauge is useless in low light situations. Here are a couple of threads regarding the Saleen gauges that and this problem.

http://www.modularfords.com/2005-mustang/guage-help-41402.html?highlight=boost+gauge

http://www.modularfords.com/2005-mustang/replacing-stock-saleen-gauges-54969.html?highlight=boost+gauge
 
#4 ·
saleen688 said:
Well, it seems as though everyone with a Saleen gauge has or will have issues with them.
I must have missed something because I do not see anywhere in his post or his signature file where it says he is using Saleen gauges.

But I do agree, sounds like a gauge or placement issue. I have mine in the front of the blower, have not had any issues with it. If I ever find room for more gauges and get an IAT gauge I am going to move it to where Slofoot's is.
 
#5 ·
hawgman said:
I must have missed something because I do not see anywhere in his post or his signature file where it says he is using Saleen gauges.
Maybe the title of the thread?
 
#6 ·
It is a saleen gauge. New style setup that matches factory and has air temp. Sender is connected to the front passenger side of blower. I agree that an autometer gauge connected to the fuel pressure vac/boost line is probably the best cure. I just wasn't ready to spend the $'s to replace a fairly new setup. Do you guys agree that this does not sound like a belt slip issue?
 
#7 ·
don_w said:
Maybe the title of the thread?
Well hell. Dumbass me took that to mean Saleen ( supercharger ) with boost gauge problems. Guess my multi tasking skills suck today.

I would not think that it is a belt slip issue. Doesn't sound like one to me.
What does the sender look like? Does the same sender read both boost and IAT? I assume it is an electric sending unit, right?
 
#8 ·
Yes it is an electric sender. Looks kind of like a brass bell. The AIT gauge wire snaps into a lead on the ACT harness at the driver front side of the supercharger. This gauge sucks also! Once the supercharger is heat soaked, it reads 30-50 degrees or so warmer than the ambient temperature even when driving around with no boost. I'm sure the air is not that hot. just the aluminum.
 
#9 ·
Cali HP addict said:
Once the supercharger is heat soaked, it reads 30-50 degrees or so warmer than the ambient temperature even when driving around with no boost. I'm sure the air is not that hot. just the aluminum.
I know this in my gut, but it is kinda nice to see somebody else say it. :happy: The heat soak thing can be annoying because your eyes can't help but be drawn towards a gauge with the needle too far to the right.

In defense of the gauges, my boost gauge works fine, given that it is an electric gauge with that typical on/off nature, and FWIW I think the lighting has been changed, as my gauges, installed at Saleen-Troy last week, are bright at night from any angle.
 
#10 ·
In the title of the thread it stated Saleen Boost Gauge Problem, that all I was going by, but I just assumed. I know the 2006 SALEEN gauges have been changed for better lighting so that lighting issue is from 2005 models. :beerchug:
 
#11 ·
I posted this somewhere else but just in case someone finds it here the Saleen gauges suck after 5 or 6 psi (3.4 pulley). Mine would not read past 6 at all. Installed a Autometer nexus and now reads very accurately and that was the only change made.