Factory pre-drilled EGT holes????

[jadssh]

I have a 2018 3500. Was wondering if they have any factory drilled for an EGT probe? Thought it would be nice to see what the Egt’s are showing. Thanks everyone!

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Just get a monitor like a CTS2 that plugs into the OBDll port. You can monitor 5 different egt locations. There are also a lot of other options to monitor as well. You can also read and erase codes.

 

[sag2]

If your truck is stock there is no reason to monitor EGT, unless your just interested.

 

[jadssh]

If your truck is stock there is no reason to monitor EGT, unless your just interested.

Yea I was just interested. I didn’t realize you can just plug in a reader.

 

[jadssh]

Just get a monitor like a CTS2 that plugs into the OBDll port. You can monitor 5 different egt locations. There are also a lot of other options to monitor as well. You can also read and erase codes.

I didn’t realize you can do that. Dumb question, but where is the OBD11 port located at? Thanks.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I didn’t realize you can do that. Dumb question, but where is the OBD11 port located at? Thanks.

When you’re sitting in the drivers seat, it's under the dash by your left shin.

 

[RVTRKN]

Yea I was just interested. I didn’t realize you can just plug in a reader.

However, the CTS2 has a version that has a programmer as well. Make sure it is the Monitor only, or your warranty will be toast. I plan on the CTS2 monitor when my current system has to be replaced.

 

[OggyOggy]

If your 18 is the same as my 12 a reader will NOT show you true EGT, there's no stock sensor reading it. I bought an Edge Insight to do just what you want and learned later that unless I replaced the exhaust manifold with one which has the sensor or had the manifold drilled and tapped there wasn't a way to get that true EGT. So an OBD2 port reader won't help answer your question. You can get a number of exhaust temps POST TURBINE but nothing PRE TURBINE.

BTW, if you're in California, the Edge Evolution Tuner is the ONLY CARB approved tuner for use in CA. So, there's no problem having one as far as emissions are concerned. But the warranty issue might still exist.

 

[Ozymandias]

18 to 12 is like Space Shuttle to Ford T referred on Emissions.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

BTW, if you're in California, the Edge Evolution Tuner is the ONLY CARB approved tuner for use in CA. So, there's no problem having one as far as emissions are concerned. But the warranty issue might still exist.

This is why I recommended a MONITOR in an earlier post. The OP never hinted towards a programmer.

And, there’s no need to drill the manifold unless you highly modified the engine.

 

[RVTRKN]

The Edge Monitor is a good option, however the EGT option is a little more difficult with with Edge. I looked into it at one point, because I have a real EGT sensor that I drilled and tapped into my manifold. The reason I haven't done it yet, is that I have invested a small fortune in my PLX system, as you can see in the photo I inserted. Its not that hard to drill and tap for a sensor, if you have a mechanical background.

 

[OggyOggy]

The Edge Monitor is a good option, however the EGT option is a little more difficult with with Edge. I looked into it at one point, because I have a real EGT sensor that I drilled and tapped into my manifold. The reason I haven't done it yet, is that I have invested a small fortune in my PLX system, as you can see in the photo I inserted. Its not that hard to drill and tap for a sensor, if you have a mechanical background.

Where exactly did you put your pyro in the manifold and how did you drill it? Maybe a picture?

I've been wanting to do that but have been very very hesitant given 2 problems I hear about. First is drill debris getting into the turbo and second is the manifold cracking after being drilled. I consulted a neighbor who owns a fleet of trucks running around LA and he told me straight not to but if I was bound and determined to add the pyro... to drill safely requires a heli-arc to reinforce the manifold after drilling. I decided to wait until I eventually replace the manifold and will get one with a predrilled pyro location.

Additionally, FYI... the Edge Insight can be software upgraded to the Edge Evolution Tuner for $200.

 

[JR]

I run a Scan Gauge on my 14. It's not the prettiest thing to look at but is very functional and reasonably priced.

I mounted mine under the AUX switch pack.

Aside from many engine/trans monitoring points there are several model specific PIDs you can download and monitor including 5 EGT points.



https://www.scangauge.com/x-gauge-commands/2013-2018-dodge-ram-with-6-7-cummins-diesel/


It also a code reader, and can be used on any vehicle to monitor basic parameters or pull engine codes.

 

[lpennock]

I've been wanting to do that but have been very very hesitant given 2 problems I hear about. First is drill debris getting into the turbo and second is the manifold cracking after being drilled. I consulted a neighbor who owns a fleet of trucks running around LA and he told me straight not to but if I was bound and determined to add the pyro... to drill safely requires a heli-arc to reinforce the manifold after drilling. I decided to wait until I eventually replace the manifold and will get one with a predrilled pyro location.

People have been drilling for a pyro for years and I've never heard of anyone having a cracking problem. The pyro on my 06 was put on in 2010 and has not issues.

The safest way to drill is to remove the turbo and manifold but a lot of people do it without removing. There are a couple methods to do it, but the one I prefer is to do it with the engine running as the exhaust pressure will push the chips back out of the hole as the bit starts breaking through. Once the hole is drilled let things cool and use grease on the tap to catch the cuttings. Just go slow with the drilling and tapping so stuff isn't flung off.

 

[RVTRKN]

The picture I'm posting was just prior to install, and you'll see a white dot in the middle of the "Y". You need to remove the fender liner, and remove the nuts that attach the HVAC refrigerant accumulator, then move it to the side. I used a right angle drill and drilled it dry slowly. When the bit sarted to penetrate the inner wall, I took a shop Vac and drilled slow while removing the bit several times. untill it was complete. I did the same when tapping for the threads. I had my SIL hold the vacuum during the process.

I would check for the type of threads of the EGT sensor you buy, there supposed to be 1/8" NPT, but the one I bought from PLX happened to be 1/8" BSPT (British Standard Pipe Thread). I did a test drill on a block of aluminum with 1/8" NPT, and even though it worked, it went deep into the treads and just barely tightened. So I researched and PLX sent me a new one, but it had the same threads and taper. I ordered a 1/8" BSPT tap and it fit like a glove. You will know it because the taper is barely noticable. So I drilled only once with the proper tap.

Everyone has their own way on how to tap for it, and I got a lot of different opinions when I asked the question, so I chose the dry method.

 

[RVTRKN]

People have been drilling for a pyro for years and I've never heard of anyone having a cracking problem. The pyro on my 06 was put on in 2010 and has not issues.

The safest way to drill is to remove the turbo and manifold but a lot of people do it without removing. There are a couple methods to do it, but the one I prefer is to do it with the engine running as the exhaust pressure will push the chips back out of the hole as the bit starts breaking through. Once the hole is drilled let things cool and use grease on the tap to catch the cuttings. Just go slow with the drilling and tapping so stuff isn't flung off.

Some TDR members did this as well, but the arguement against it was if a shaving managed to blow into the turbo you could cause damage, due to close tolerance they run at. Grease on the bit is also a popular method but could cause the shavings that remained to stick to the vanes, and when started could cause damage.

Removing is the best method, but it's labor intensive and you lose the factory seal.

 

[Wiredawg]

On previous manifolds I drilled I had skinny Craftsman extension magnet I used to get shavings. Also can attach a reducer on a shop vac to suck shavings out. This is first truck I'm leaning on NOT installing an EGT gauge on my 5500.

Geno's has instructions on their website also.

Cheers, Ron

 

[lpennock]

Just looked at my 2018 and there is already a pre turbo EGT probe about 3-4 area. Not as optimum as in the Y but sure would save a lot of effort to just read it OBD.

 

[Ozymandias]

Just looked at my 2018 and there is already a pre turbo EGT probe about 3-4 area. Not as optimum as in the Y but sure would save a lot of effort to just read it OBD.

Now we are back on track, 2018 MY.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

You might want to re-read some older Have Ram columns. The Edge Insight on my 2013 can monitor any of the 5 egt sensors, the first being just before the first smog trap, about a foot after the turbo. I use those readings to help decide when to shut down the engine. That port in the manifold, if the same as my 2013, is not an egt probe but rather a pressure sensor.