Auto Meter 8004 User Manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

MECHANICAL GAUGES

2650-1606-00

QUESTIONS:

If after completely reading these instructions you have questions regarding the operation or installation of your instrument(s),

please contact Auto Meter Technical Service at 866-248-6357.

You may also email us at [e-mail].

Additional information can also be found at http://www.autometer.com

Venting for Liquid Filled Gauges Only

Auto Meter’s Pro Comp Liquid Filled Gauges are equipped with a vent screw on the top of the
case. Internal case pressure can change due to altitude, barometric pressure, and temperature,
causing an inaccurate or “off zero” reading on more sensitive low pressure gauges such as 0-15
psi fuel pressure, vacuum, boost, and vacuum/boost gauges. To prevent this it is recommended
that the gauge be vented.

With the vent screw in the upright position, turn the screw two turns counterclockwise to equalize
the gauge case pressure. This allows the gauge to breathe and self adjust.

OVER-TIGHTENING

OF VENT SCREW WILL

DAMAGE THREADS.

GAUGE READING

1 PSI Low

1 PSI High

CONDITION

30° F. Temp. Rise

2000 Ft. Altitude Increase

Vent Screw

Note on Ultra-Nite (Glow In The Dark)

The glow in the dark coating on the dial of the Ultra-nite gauge may turn gray if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. When the car is not being used
and will be in direct sunlight for long periods of time, place the provided red plastic cover on the gauge.

The Ultimate LED Lighting Upgrade

Available through your local speed shop or favorite Auto meter dealer, these intense LED bulbs simply replace the standard 161, 168, 193, or 194 light bulbs used in most
Auto meter gauges, tachometers, and speedometers. Smaller LED bulbs are available for tachometers that feature the small “twist in” light on the front tachometer.

LED Replacement Kits are sold one per package.

3284 Red LED Replacement Kit 3294 Red LED, Small
3285 Green LED Replacement Kit 3295 Green LED, Small
3286 Blue LED Replacement Kit 3296 Blue LED, Small
3287 Amber LED Replacement Kit 3297 Amber LED, Small

Meter Adapters

If this product is to be installed on a vehicle requiring metric fittings, please contact your local Auto Meter dealer to purchase metric adapters. A complete listing of the
fittings available can be found in our catalog or online at http://www.autometer.com

Temperature Gauges

USE TEFLON SEALING
TAPE OR SEALING
COMPOUND ON
PIPE THREADS

TEMPERATURE

SENSOR

1

⁄2” NPT MOUNTING NUT

FOR 3⁄8” NPT USE NO. 2263

NOTE: Some late model vehicles use electronic sensors in their pressure and

temperature senders for engine control functions. Before removing the original
sender, we recommend that you contact your automotive dealer to be sure no
critical functions will be disrupted.

1. Gauge may be mounted in-dash or in the Auto Meter custom mounting
solutions. Secure gauge with mounting clamps supplied. 2-

1

in 2-

⁄16" diameter hole, 2-5⁄8" gauges mount in 2-5⁄8" diameter hole.

CAUTION: DO NOT make severe bends in the capillary tubing.
It may break internally, thus, voiding the warranty.
DO NOT remove capillary tubing from gauge.

7

2. Cut a

⁄8" dia. hole in firewall. Place grommet on capillary tubing. A slit must be

made in the grommet to accomplish this. Route sensing bulb through firewall
and secure grommet in the

7

⁄8" hole.

CONNECT TO
12V LIGHTING

CONNECT TO

GOOD GROUND

SEALING TUBING

SEALING NUT

LARGE RUBBER GROMMET

(SMALL GROMMET NOT

USED WITH TEMP. GAUGE)

1

⁄16" gauges mount

THUMB

NUT

LOCKWASHER

MOUNTING

BRACKET

+12 VOLT
LIGHTING

PORT NUT

NOTE: DO NOT LOOSEN

PORT NUT OR GAUGE
MAY BE DAMAGED.

3. Insert and tighten mounting nut in the

3

with a

⁄8" NPT port use Auto Meter adapter no. 2263). Insert temperature

sensing bulb in the mounting nut and carefully tighten sealing nut, while holding
mounting nut. The Oil Temperature gauge usually requires drilling a hole and
welding the Auto Meter no. 2261 steel weld fitting in the oil pan. Be sure to
check for adequate internal clearances for the temperature sensing bulb. Install
temperature sensing bulb as described above.

4. Make sure gauge tubing is free from hazard of moving parts or hot engine
components.

5. Start engine and thoroughly inspect installation for any leaks.

6. Twist in light socket assembly and connect one wire to dash lighting circuit or
other 12V power source and the other wire to a good ground.

1

⁄2" NPT port on engine. (For engines

INTERNAL LED

LIGHTED MODELS

GROUND

Pressure, Vacuum & Boost Gauges

CONNECT TO

FOR BOOST/
VACUUM GAUGES
ONLY

T-FITTING

FOR PRESSURE
GAUGES ONLY

FOR VACUUM
GAUGES ONLY

T-FITTING

1

4" NPT ADAPTER

ADAPTER

FERRULE

FERRULE

OR

1

8" NPT ADAPTER

VACUUM HOSE

1

8" CONNECTOR

COMPRESSION

OR

COMPRESSION

NYLON TUBING

NYLON TUBING

NUT

NUT

FERRULE

12V LIGHTING

CONNECT TO

GOOD GROUND

SMALL

GROMMET

COMPRESSION

NUT

FERRULE

FERRULE

LOCK WASHER

THUMB NUT

OR

ADAPTER

MOUNTING

BRACKET

PORT NUT

NOTE: DO NOT

LOOSEN PORT NUT
OR GAUGE MAY
BE DAMAGED.

USE TEFLON
SEALING COMPOUND
ON PIPE THREADS

NOTE: DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN

ADAPTER FITTING OR
GAUGE MAY BE DAMAGED.

GROUND

+12 VOLT
LIGHTING

INTERNAL LED

LIGHTED MODELS

NOTE: Some late model vehicles use electronic sensors in their pressure and

temperature senders for engine control functions. Before removing the original
sender, we recommend that you contact your automotive dealer to be sure no
critical functions will be disrupted. With pressure gauges, it is beneficial to add
a T-fitting to install your new gauge and to keep the warning light operational.
This allows you to monitor the pressure and still have a warning light to indicate
emergency conditions.

1. Gauges may be mounted in In-dash holes, or in Auto Meter custom mounting
Solutions. Secure gauge with mounting clamps supplied. 2-

1

in 2-

⁄16” diameter hole, 2-5⁄8” gauges mount in 2-5⁄8” diameter hole.

3

2. Drill

⁄8” dia. holes and install rubber grommet where pressure or vacuum line

1

⁄16”gauges mount

passes through sheet metal, such as firewall.

Blower with Memory

1

To Blower

Outlet Port

CHECK VALVE FLOW ARROW

MUST POINT TOWARD GAUGE

AFTER INSTALLATION

NOTE: To insure accurate memory readings

DO NOT mount check valve directly to
gauge or blower. Excessive vibration
may cause leakage.

3. Attach nylon pressure line to fitting on back of gauge using adapter, ferrule,

4. Make sure line is free from hazard of moving parts or hot engine components.
It is recommended that Auto Meter 3224 copper tubing kit be used where a

5. Start engine and thoroughly check installation for leaks.

6. Twist in light socket assembly and connect one wire to dash lighting circuit or

CONNECTOR

⁄8” NPTF (FEMALE)

x SAE 37˚

MALE FLARE

FLOW

and compression nut as shown in diagram above. Route line through grommet
to engine compartment. Connect line to pressure port on engine by using
adapter (

1

⁄4” if needed), ferrule and compression nut for pressure gauges or 1⁄8”

1

⁄8”

connector and T-fitting for vacuum gauges.

potential hazard exits.

other 12V power source and the other wire to a good ground.

NOTE: DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN

FITTING OR GAUGE

CONNECT TO 12V DASH LIGHTING

CONNECT TO GROUND

LOCKWASHER

THUMB NUT

HARDWARE

INCLUDED IN KIT

1

⁄8” NPTF (FEMALE)

CONNECTOR

1

⁄8” NPTF (Male)

x SAE 37˚
Male Flare

CONNECTOR

x SAE 37˚

MALE FLARE

MAY BE DAMAGED.

TEE

1

⁄8”-27

NPTF

USE SEALING
COMPOUND ON ALL
PIPE THREAD JOINTS

MOUNTING

BRACKET

PORT NUT

NOTE: DO NOT LOOSEN

PORT NUT OR GAUGE
MAY BE DAMAGED.

BLOWER W/MEMORY
PLUMBING MUST
BE LEAK TIGHT TO
INSURE AN ACCURATE
MEMORY READING.

1. Secure two

1

⁄8"-27 NPTF x #4 SAE 37˚ flare connectors to the 1⁄8"-27 NPTF

tee as shown in the installation above.

NOTE: The connector flare (37˚) must be compatible with the ends on the

stainless steel braided tubing. Auto Meter braided stainless steel
tubing no. 3227 and 3228 include #4 SAE 37˚ flare female swivel
ends.

3

2. Drill

⁄8" dia. hole and install rubber grommet where pressure line passes

through firewall into engine compartment.

3. Secure two

1

⁄8"-27 NPT female x SAE 37˚ male flare connectors to the check

valve as shown above. Secure the check valve and connector assembly to
one end of a length of braided stainless steel tubing.

NOTE: The arrow on the check valve must be pointing toward the gauge

as shown in the diagram above.

4. Secure the opposite end of the tubing and check valve assembly to the tee
on the back of the gauge. Route the pressure line through the firewall into
the engine compartment. Connect another length of braided stainless steel
tubing between the check valve and the blower outlet port.

BLEED VALVE

STAINLESS STEEL

BRAIDED TUBING

(TYPICAL)

NOTE: Keep line clear of moving parts or hot engine components.

5. Secure a

1

⁄8"-27 NPTF female x SAE male flare connector to the bleed valve.

6. Using the nut and lock washer provided, secure the bleed valve and connector
assembly in-dash or wherever it is convenient for the driver.

7. Connect length of braided stainless steel tubing between the tee on back of
gauge and the bleed valve.

8. Start engine and thoroughly check for any leaks. When engine is shut off, gauge
should not leak down until bleed valve is pushed. If gauge leaks, check and
tighten all connections.

9. Connect the WHITE light wire to dash lighting circuit or other 12V source.
Connect the BLACK light wire to a good engine ground. (which applicable)