Thankful to have not caught fire

[vatdevil]

Originally Posted by PeteF

There are many thousands of these type gauges in use under many hoods. There are also many brands of varying design and quality. A good design and manufacture should ensure no leakage at many times the normal fuel supply pressure. I believe that those designed for use underhood and from a reputable manufacturer with good quality, should provide safe, reliable service. Mine is a Holley 0 - 15 psi, non-oil filled, which I have had installed for over 5 years with no issues. I also run a fuel pressure regulator set at 5 psi to provide the proper consistent pressure and prevent the gauge needle from bouncing all over. We will never know the root causes of the leaks/fire events mentioned, but there are several possibilities (materials, workmanship, overpressure condition, installation issues, fuel additives, etc). I am wary of automotive products made in China, since I had a ProComp fuel pump fail within a year (then found out it was made in China). We all have our respective experiences and opinions, and I am leaving my gauge in place underhood (but I do check underhood for key safety items prior to every drive ( fuel leakage, brake/clutch fluid level, spinners tight). Good luck whatever you decide.

All gauges can leak. This is why most industrial gauges include blow out backs or rupture discs. You can install an isolator just under the gauge, so it can be mounted in engine bay. I would suspect engine vibration contributes to gauge failures.