Recent discussions here on air filter restriction gauges have made me curious. Maybe some of the rest of you are also curious. For those with gauges, it would be interesting to learn the actual numbers recorded by the gauge and how that number was obtained, as well as to get an Idea how many people run restriction gauges of any type.
The generic method is to reset the gauge to zero with a new or cleaned filter, then make a full throttle, maximum-rated rpm run as a baseline and then clean/change the filter when the restriction increases by 2.5 kPa ( 10" of water). Specific engine or OEM builders may have specific recommendations.
Anyway, let's share some info by answering the following questions:
1) List your vehicle, engine size and name/brand of restriction gauge? If you have OEM info on the maximum rated restriction for your engine, please share?
2) Does your gauge show actual numbers or is it a red/yellow/green gauge? If one of the colored-only gauges, do you know what level of restriction is required to trip a red reading (many such gauges are 20-25" H20)
3) What method or standards do you use for determining baseline restriction, e.g. the full throttle run or????, and what are your recorded readings for a clean filter?
4) What was you motivation to install a restriction gauge (if your vehicle was not factory equipped with one).
My Answers:
1) '05 F150, 5.4L V8, Donaldson Informer.
2) Numbers up to 25" H20/ 6.25 kPa
3) Full throttle, 3.75 kPa (15" H20) @ 5250 rpm
4) Maximizing filter life, minimizing expense with no engine durability or longevity deficits.
The generic method is to reset the gauge to zero with a new or cleaned filter, then make a full throttle, maximum-rated rpm run as a baseline and then clean/change the filter when the restriction increases by 2.5 kPa ( 10" of water). Specific engine or OEM builders may have specific recommendations.
Anyway, let's share some info by answering the following questions:
1) List your vehicle, engine size and name/brand of restriction gauge? If you have OEM info on the maximum rated restriction for your engine, please share?
2) Does your gauge show actual numbers or is it a red/yellow/green gauge? If one of the colored-only gauges, do you know what level of restriction is required to trip a red reading (many such gauges are 20-25" H20)
3) What method or standards do you use for determining baseline restriction, e.g. the full throttle run or????, and what are your recorded readings for a clean filter?
4) What was you motivation to install a restriction gauge (if your vehicle was not factory equipped with one).
My Answers:
1) '05 F150, 5.4L V8, Donaldson Informer.
2) Numbers up to 25" H20/ 6.25 kPa
3) Full throttle, 3.75 kPa (15" H20) @ 5250 rpm
4) Maximizing filter life, minimizing expense with no engine durability or longevity deficits.