Is there a trick to pre-turbo EGT probe?

[hammong]

I see 90% of people recommending that the EGT probe be installed PRE-turbo. I am concerned that when drilling/tapping the exhaust manifold, that small metal chunks are going to damage my exhaust turbine. Is there any real chance of the filings causing any significant damage?

I'd really prefer NOT to remove the exhaust and turbo just to tap the manifold. If it comes down to that, I'll tap it post-turbo and live with the variance!

I'll be installing the gauges REAL soon - as soon as they arrive. Any tips/tricks would be much appreciated!

Greg


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Y2K Dodge Cummins QC 2500 SLT Laramie 4x4 Long Bed, 4. 10/Auto, Forest Green/Driftwood, 265x75R16 Michelin LTX, 6 speaker CD, Camper/Tow/Plow Packages, Westin Black Nerfs, Mopar bedliner, Ultra bright diamondplate toolbox, K&N Filtercharger.

http://www.rints.com/hammond for photos!

Not Bombed yet!

 

[Mad Max]

Pre-turbo w/ my SPA DG111.
Did it myself.
Tricks:
Patience
Load drill & tap with vaseline, repeatedly to capture shavings.
GO SLOW.
Chase hole with magnent post drilling
Tap shallow, test, etc... don't go too far.
Chase hole with magnent post tapping.

*One member's had his thermocouple tip fail. . twice... fed it to the impeller each time w/ no visable damage. (DavidVT?) the exhaust side of the turbo is much different than the intake side.

Hope this is helpful. A truly time consuming and rewarding right of passage, like getting your one OEM oil filter off in the first oil change.

Good Luck

MaX

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Most important, DO NOT drill in the "valley" between where the 2 sides of the exhaust manifold come together. There is a divider in there. Just pick either side at the top center. Drill about an inch or 2 back from the turbo. If you are unceratin, let me know and ill email you a picture of the location. I have installed alot of them already and i never remove the turbo. Just do the vasaline or grease trick and get a pencil magnet to get any other fillings. What few you amy miss will blow out the turbbo on startup. The turbo wont be spinning fast enough to cause any problems.

 

[Bigsaint]

Check out this link, should help.
http://www.tstproducts.com/gauge_install.html

Scott W.

 

[Michael Hughes]

I have done a HOW-TO on installing Westach EGT/Boost gauge. I go thru how to install both pre and post turbo probes. You can find it at St Louis TDR members <A HREF=http://showmestate.org/stltdr> web site. </A> Just go to the How-to page. Hope this helps.

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1999 2500 ST LB 4X4 Metallic Red, 5-speed, 3. 54 gears, LSD, camper and tow package
Westach Boost/EGT (pre and post turbo) mounted on A pillar.

 

[DBuchheit]

Originally posted by hammong:
I see 90% of people recommending that the EGT probe be installed PRE-turbo. I am concerned that when drilling/tapping the exhaust manifold, that small metal chunks are going to damage my exhaust turbine. Is there any real chance of the filings causing any significant damage?

I'd really prefer NOT to remove the exhaust and turbo just to tap the manifold. If it comes down to that, I'll tap it post-turbo and live with the variance!

I'll be installing the gauges REAL soon - as soon as they arrive. Any tips/tricks would be much appreciated!

Greg

Greg:

It is soooooo easy to remove and replace the turbo. I just did it 2 weeks ago and it's a snap. You only need 2 gaskets. I bought mine from the local Cummins shop for less than $2 total, including tax.

When your done, you'll know that you didn't get any chips in the turbo, plus you'll know that you have the probe where you want and at the proper depth.

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2001. 5 Intense Blue 2500 QC, SLT, 5. 9L 24v Cummins, 4x2 Auto, 3. 54/LSD, 155 inch WB, Agate, Trailer Tow Group, Sliding Rear Window, Line-X over the rail, Leer Cab Height Topper.

 

[Alan Reagan]

One more tip. You probably want to use some anti seize when you install the probe. You are going stainless steel to cast iron and the stainless will bond to the cast iron if you don't use something.

 

[MHindman]

I did this myself also. I took lots of time, and used lots of grease. I used a shop vac after i was done, and a small mag. too. its really easy, just use a punch to get started... . GO SLOW, IMO one or two pieces of cast wouldnt hurt the turbo. it would most likely go right through. good luck

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(Silver Bullet)1999 Ext Cab 4X4 5SPD, All options. Power Max 3(adjustable), K&N Filter, no muffler, Pyro,Fender Flares, Toolbox, bedrail covers, 450 watt Kenwood Sub, 33 12. 50 16. 5's, 3. 54's... Soon to have: 4inch, DDIII's, Southbend clutch.

 

[hammong]

Thanks to everybody for their excellent suggestions. I'll take my time, use plenty of grease, and sweep out the hole with a magnet to catch most of the leftovers. I've seen the innards of the exhaust turbine, and I'm less concerned now that "really small" shavings are going to have any kind of negative effect if there are some left behind.

Thanks again!

Greg


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Y2K Dodge Cummins QC 2500 SLT Laramie 4x4 Long Bed, 4. 10/Auto, Forest Green/Driftwood, 265x75R16 Michelin LTX, 6 speaker CD, Camper/Tow/Plow Packages, Westin Black Nerfs, Mopar bedliner, Ultra bright diamondplate toolbox, K&N Filtercharger. Autometer EGT and Boost gauges with 2-gauge pillar coming soon!

http://www.rints.com/hammond for photos!

 

[Big-D]

A huge thanks to Michael Hughes for his time in posting his installation. The most benefical layout of "how to do" I have ever seen. You are right on with your procedure Mike, but I removed the turbo out of fear and didn't use the card board idea. Although that probably works just as well.
Thanks a million! Dave