Posted: 4/14/2009 1:09:52 AM EDT
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I have a 2009 Tacoma V6, and I have been trying to decide if I want to add an extra set of gauges. Right now all it has is the unmarked water temp gauge, and an idiot light for the oil pressure - which is set to come on at 4PSI (I think). From my last vehicle (a Jeep), I am a bit paranoid about oil pressure and would kind of like to have one. I would also like to have a transmission temp gauge, to try and keep the transmission cool - although I don't tow and probably will not in the near future.
I am trying to prioritize my upgrades, and especially that 4 PSI dash light gives a lot of leeway. I plan on keeping the truck until the wheels fall off, so I want to try and do what I can to keep it in shape. I am planning a road trip through the desert, and plan on installing a transmission cooler probably this week. What say you? Worth the effort, or waste of money? 
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Not a waste of money at all.
A real oil pressure gauge tells you a lot more then an idiot light. We refer to the idiot lights as a "my engine just blew up light", as that's about all they're good for. I like using an oil pressure gauge to tell me when my engine is warm and I can start pushing the engine a bit. I can have as high as ~80 psi at idle when the engine is cold, and I'll usually have ~10 when it's warm. This is a much better indicator than coolent temp. A trans temp gauge seems unnecessary to me if you're not towing, but it doesn't hurt anything to add it, so go ahead. Adding an additional trans cooler again couldn't hurt, but seems a little sill to me, as I'm sure it has a factory one. I never drive through the desert though. |
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That makes sense, maybe I'll just do the oil pressure gauge and not worry about the rest, then. The sending unit for the light is in a pretty easy location, so it should be easier to install than any of the others.
I'm not really sure what the deal is with the factory trans cooler. It sounds like there is one in the radiator, but the Toyota towing package adds a discreet cooler in the front of the radiator. Depending on who you talk to, it seems many think the factory cooler is inadequate. |
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There are gauges.........and then there are good gauges.
If you want immediate and accurate feedback, a mechanical oil pressure gauge that has a capillary line is the best. Same with temp, the good ones have a nitrogen filled capilary line and the feedback has no delay. You can accurately tell within a degree or two whether your thermostat opened correctly, and whether your fan clutch or electric fan is kicking in at the correct time. This is critical if you are towing on big hills. You could lose a head gasket or warp a head quicker than a cheap gauge can react. 
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| I had a cheapie mechanical oil pressure gauge in my Cherokee. I like the mechanical gauges better - especially for their full sweep - but I am worried that if the capillary tube goes, it will introduce more problems. I plan on sticking with Auto Meter, whichever way I go. |