1st Gen Turbo Timer
LHV Electronics Turbo Timer
Ever since the purchase of my 1992 First Gen Dodge, I had been looking for the
perfect turbo timer that was simple to operate, and was in my price range. As
we all know, turbo timers have been out on the market for quite some time now.
However, due to the high cost and added features that I felt weren't needed, I
never purchased one. That is, up until last week when my Turbo Timer from
Howard Vanfleet arrived. After installation and
running the turbo timer for a week now, I can truly say that this turbo timer
is just what I had been looking for. In this article I hope to shed some light
on Howard's turbo timer and hopefully give the first gen
owner who is in the market for a turbo timer a reason to purchase this product
from one of our own first gen members.
Installation
The installation of the box could not be simpler. It consists of a hot wire,
ground wire, a signal wire, and fuse taps for each wire. For the power source
to the box, I used the #6 fuse on the fuse block which is hot at all times. For
the signal wire (blue), fuse #13 should be used for 89-91 models and fuse #3 is
used for 92-93 model trucks. This wire is what will deliver power to the fuel
shutoff solenoid after the ignition has been turned off. For the ground wire
(green), you have two choices, you can either ground it to the parking brake
switch located on the parking brake, or take it to a common ground. However,
Howard recommends taking the green wire to a common ground since some trucks
have problems with the electrical system, more so, the parking brake switch.
So, I took the ground wire to a common ground in the vehicle.
Testing
To test the timer, simply push the button. If the green LED comes on, you have
succeeded in powering up your timer. If the green LED does not come on recheck
the instructions and verify that the hot wire is always hot and that the ground
wire is on a good ground or that the parking brake is on and working.
Mounting
After all wires have been ran to its proper source and the box has been tested
for operation. It is now time to mount the box. Again, Howard has looked after
the customer by adding 2 sided tape to the top portion
of the box and giving the customer a choice of grey or black for the box color.
The mounting location is up to you, in my case, I chose to mount the box on the
left side of the ashtray compartment.
Operation
After starting your truck, set the rotary switch to
the 2, 4, or 6-minute position. Push the timer button, at this time the green
LED light should come on if installed correctly. After you have verified that
the LED light is illuminated, turn off the truck and remove the ignition key.
At this time, the truck will remain running for the set number of minutes that
you have selected. One thing that I really like about this setup,
is if you want to drive the truck before the selected number of minutes is up,
simply put the key into the ignition and turn it to the run position. Just be
careful that you do not engage the starter motor. At this time, power is being
sent to the fuel solenoid since the key is on, so when the timer goes off, the
truck will remain running. However, on automatic equipped transmissions, the
transmission will not shift into drive as long as the timer is set and the
ignition switch is off.
My Impressions
After running the turbo timer for a week, I have found that this is one of the
best additions that I have added to the truck. I have had zero malfunctions
with the timer. Not only do I get the peace of mind knowing that I am allowing
the turbo to cool down after a long haul, I also dont
have to set and wait for the pyrometer to reach 300* when I am in a hurry. I
feel that Howard has really hit a home run with this product,
anyone looking to help preserve the life of their turbo should really take a
hard look at this product. Today, it is hard to find someone that will take the
time to make a product compatible for our First Gen Dodges and is within a
reasonable price range. This product does just that and more.
For ordering information, please visit this link
Written By: Monty (OkieBroncRider)
