After reviewing the options for tapping into the hydraulics, the plumbing and the gauge, rather than having a gauge on the panel somewhere, I'm now actually thinking I will place a transducer off the hydraulic distribution manifold in the gear well.  Then I would make this an annual option (or periodic option), connecting a display gauge to read the high-low.

I'm thinking that I don't need immediate and continuous monitoring of the pressure.  If the flaps or gear transit time slows, I will know this.  If the pressure is suddenly lost (catastrophic loss of hydraulics), having the gauge won't tell me more than what I already know...gear won't go down, flaps don't work.  And having another high pressure hose behind the panel invites a new leak.

Thoughts?

Jeff L






On the IV-P I'm planning to tee a mechanical gauge in the Pressure line going to the control valve assembly. That'd show me what's available for use and there's no need for any external power source.

 That could be in addition to transponders monitoring pressure at other points in the system.  -Bill Wade



I just finished installing 2 hydraulic gages.   I was replacing all flex hyd lines with new, so it wasn't hard to include a T in the up line and down line located under the passenger seat.  Made an aluminum add on mini panel that goes between pilot's legs and straddles my flap switch.   Ran 2 four foot lines to back of gages.   All works great on several gear swings, but no operational/environmental experience yet.  

I definitely wanted the gages where I could see them for any diagnosis, and the panel was full of 1000 steam gages already.

Gages are number 9780T221 from McMaster-Carr for a low $21.48 each.   These are liquid filled with silicon (-40 deg F to 158deg F).  Entire operation cost less than $100.

I'll forward a picture in day or so.

Jack Addison    jraddison@msn.com
IO360 high comp



-----Original Message-----
From: jeffrey liegner [mailto:liegner@ptd.net]
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 6:56 AM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: Suggested Pressure Gauge for Hydraulic Monitoring (LIVP)

Any suggestions on which small hydraulic pressure gauge would be a good
choice to display hydraulic pressure, either during preflight (ex, in wheel
well) or inside the cockpit (for monitoring)?  Analogue or electric display?
Best location to T the gauge into the system?

Thanks.

Jeff Liegner
Sparta, NJ