EGT install

[Randomrunner12]

This is more of has anyone done it.
Can you install, drill and tap the manifold for an EGT probe with truck running? I’m being told it’s perfectly safe since the pressure from the exhaust will prevent any shavings from entering turbo. Same for when I tap just to add grease.

 

[Yo Hoot]

I've done it multiple times. There's a guy out there that did it and calls it the hoot method.
That be me. Search for it.

 

[Randomrunner12]

Ok man thanks. I’ll find it!!!!

 

[Yo Hoot]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/how-did-you-install-your-egt-probe.203668/

 

[Topzide]

You could also drill through a shop vac nozzle to pull chips away and into the vac. I've got some pretty worn nozzles and have done this when drill block. Just another way to think about. Here's a diagram for location. Hope it helps.

 

[Ozymandias]

I was worried first, then said let's do it, and drilled and tapped it right away.
Even if a shaving falls into the Turbo it will blow out the exhaust.

I've never heard of someone that had a real world problem after the procedure.
Always just internet gossip.

 

[Randomrunner12]

Thank you Hoot for the thread, Topzide thank you for the picture and drill location as well as for the tap size needed.

Ozy thanks for the added bit of confidence. Just gonna hit **** it and do it with truck running.

All, Do I really need to block the exhaust tip or run a shop vac in the tail pipe like I’m reading?

 

[BigPapa]

No, like Ozy said. I’ve done several, none running, grease on the tap. Never had a problem.

 

[AH64ID]

I’m not a fan of the idea, thou it’s pretty popular.

Drill bit breaks and now you’ve damaged the turbo.

I also don’t subscribe to the grease idea. Any grease that’s inside the two hole won’t release the chips until the exhaust is hot and turbo is up to speed, so those chips can hit a high rpm turbo.



I’ve always drilled a cold manifold with a shop vac near it. Start the truck once you’re done and any chips in the manifold will be blown they the turbo long before the turbo gets enough rpms to be damaged by then. Worst case the drill bit breaks and you can pull the turbo to dig the pieces out.

 

[BigPapa]

The manifolds are actually pretty soft. I’ve never broken a bit. When I say “greased tap”, I’m just talking abut some in the flutes, not gobbed on.

 

[Randomrunner12]

Thanks all for the tips and suggestions. Decided I’m going to run it and do it the way yall have suggested with engine off, drill and then start engine to blow out any shavings and then tap and repeat.

 

[Ozymandias]

Have a nice sharp tap for it, turn it out several times and re-grease, not for the shavings but for the tap in the cast iron.

 

[Randomrunner12]

Have a nice sharp tap for it, turn it out several times and re-grease, not for the shavings but for the tap in the cast iron.

Ordering a brand new tap!! had this issue at work once. Messed the tap up bad

 

[Yo Hoot]

Just make sure you don't tap too deep. Go in about 1/4" and check if the fitting will start. If not, tap a few more turns. Repeat until the fitting gets tight at about the same time it is in the thickness of the manifold wall. I don't like the threads protruding into the manifold cavity.

 

[Topzide]

Also remember, it's a taper thread. So you don't need to go that deep as @Yo Hoot states for it to be good to go. Center punch lightly to keep drill bit where you want it. Have a sharp drill bit to help with the cast, which turns to powder at times when drilling. Oil or light grease on the tap to help with the cutting action as @Ozymandias states. Just take your time and all will go well with the install.

 

[Randomrunner12]

Thanks guys, and gals lol. I will be doing this next weekend when I’ve got several days off. Got some other stuff to work on as well

 

[Blakers]

I drilled my 03 with the engine running, then used the grease on the tap to collect the shavings. Never had a problem. Now I'll probably do my 05 as well, but man the prices sure got expensive on EGT gauges. Are there any bargains out there?

 

[Randomrunner12]

I’ll be running the edge EGT since I kept it from my last truck when I sold it but yes. Gauges have gotten super expensive. EGT 0-2000* auto meter 3rd gen factory match is 283$.

 

[BigPapa]

The first, and best, I had was off a bull dozer....

#ad

 

[AH64ID]

ISSPRO is the only gauge manufacturer I would personally ever use.