Tips for installing EGT probe.

[DBabbitt]

I am installing the new egt probe that came with my edge monitor on my '06 3500. The instructions show to drill the hole in the exhaust manifold just forward where the front and rear banks meet at the dump point of the manifold. There is no way I can get a drill in there because the clearance is too tight between the manifold and the body of the truck. I was thinking about buying a right angle drill but even that looks like it will be tight. Would it be just as easy to pull the manifold and drill it out of the truck? It looks fairly easy to pull but sometimes there can be those hidden surprises. Is it as simple as removing the nuts from manifold to turbo and nuts from manifold to the head then just pull off the manifold? Does the turbo easily drop down out of the way once the nuts are loose and does the manifold easily pull off or does it get caught on other things?

Anybody done this on the new trucks yet?

 

[JThiessen]

I'll actually claim to be one of those that drilled/tapped with everything intact, and the motor running. I drilled in the down tube area, as far back as I could get with the drill. I tried to get the turbo off, but I couldnt get the right combo of wrenchs to even budge the bolts ( I tried the inside ones first since they would;ve been the toughest).

 

[CHubbard]

Use a blower motor

I did mine as close as my tools would allow to the center. I believe that these manifolks / turbos are 'pulse split', that is a web in the manifold separataes the front three cylinder exhausts from the rear three. I used just little angle in the direction of the exhaust flow which allowed the position to be as needed. The terrific tip I read on TDR was to use a blower taped to the exhaust pipe. I used my shop vac/blower. No noise, no heat, and blows the chips out of the hole as you drill / tap. Worked for me. Good luck.

 

[CBari]

I Have Now Done It On My 03 Twice And Both Times I Did It With The Motor Running. Every Time I Turned The Tap I Could Feel The Shavings Hit My Hand. After The First Time I Had The Turbo Several Months Later And It Looked Like New Not A Mark On Any Of The Fins. I Was Able To Drill With Plenty Of Room Once I Shortened My Drill Bit. I Also Have A Set Of Tap Sockets That Let Me Use A Rachet, So I Didn't Net A Lot Of Room To Turn The Tap.



Word Of Caution If You Do It With The Engine Running The Tap Will Be Hot To The Touch By The Time You Get Done.



Personally I Think Taking The Manifold Off Is Just Too Much Sugar For A Dime.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I Have Now Done It On My 03 Twice And Both Times I Did It With The Motor Running. Every Time I Turned The Tap I Could Feel The Shavings Hit My Hand. After The First Time I Had The Turbo Several Months Later And It Looked Like New Not A Mark On Any Of The Fins. I Was Able To Drill With Plenty Of Room Once I Shortened My Drill Bit. I Also Have A Set Of Tap Sockets That Let Me Use A Rachet, So I Didn't Net A Lot Of Room To Turn The Tap.



Word Of Caution If You Do It With The Engine Running The Tap Will Be Hot To The Touch By The Time You Get Done.



Personally I Think Taking The Manifold Off Is Just Too Much Sugar For A Dime.

This is the way I did it too. Now, 40k later the turbo is still fine. Make sure you use eye protection and use some duct tape to block all but about a 3/8 hole at the tail pipe to create back pressure. After your done drillingand taping, shut down the eng and use a small magnetized screw driver to clean out any remaining shavings in the hole.



Scotty

 

[GSchroder]

It's real easy to remove the fender liner, you have a straight shot.

 

[schRAM]

I too tried to remove the manifold, not as easy I thought. Instead or drilling through the top as EDGE recommended I drilled in the collector where all six cylinders meet. Used grease on the bit to collect shavings, removing and regreasing regularly.

 

[DBabbitt]

Thanks for the tips guys. I drilled the hole tonight with the engine running and could feel the shavings shooting past my hand. Got the probe installed and all is working.



Thanks for the info!!!