EGT - Before or after the turbo?

[99Smokin73Stroker]

I've been told the most accurate place to put the EGT probe is in the exhaust manifold. However, I've also heard that over the time expansion and contraction causes it to eventually break and go through the turbo, perhaps destroying it. And that if I mount it after the turbo, just add 200 degrees. I'm just around the corner from getting guages and I wanna make sure I don't have to do something twice! So, who's the expert on this one?

[Harley Truck]

I would put it before the turbo. Seems like after the turbo would be too inacurate. I could be wrong, and i agree that if there were a chance it could potentially break and ruin the turbo i would be careful too. Does anyone make an aftermarket exhaust mani that could have the bung formed right into it? Might be something to look into for best results unless cash is ah issue.

I just dont know if putting it after the turbo would be worth even having if its inaccurate.

[Rodslinger]

I've got mine in the exhaust manifold and can't see how I'd ever have any problems. I drilled and tapped it in and all is well - heck I guess anything can happen but I doubt VERY seriously it would break.

[99Smokin73Stroker]

Yeah that's what I was thinking is that the chances are rather small. Maybe i'll call up some aftermarket diesel product manufacturers and some actual guage manu's and see what they say....i'll keep you all posted

[turbotime]

I am ready to get my gauges too, was wondering if you guys heard anything more on this subject? I know all too well what it takes out of the wallet to replace a bad turbo, and must admit that I have a fear of losing it again.

[Rodslinger]

I guess I'm missing what can happen here everyone. I've built a couple drag cars in my life, do ALL my own work and am a complete vehicle nut, so installing this was a no brainier as far as I was concerned. I drilled a hole in my manifold, tapped it and inserted a brass fitting with a temp sensor in it. The sensor is a heat sensor - if heat makes it break apart there's a slight problem. If the brass fitting.......well that's not gonna happen. I'm just confused and would like to see a link or something from Mr. Google where someone had this problem, so I can ask them what happened. The sensor is designed to be tapped into the manifold to register temp.
DON'T MAKE ME SUE ISSPRO - I just for once in my life followed the instructions. :p

[99Smokin73Stroker]

Well like I said I heard from a friend of mine that it wasn't the best thing. But I really havent' heard of a turbo failing just from the probe, only the chunks of metal that the idiot left in the manifold. But nevertheless, I want to be sure I don't have to spend a bunch of money on turbo that's working just fine!

[Rodslinger]

OH! I see what you're saying now Smoke - sorry I'm a bit slow sometimes and the Bud Light may not have helped.
I read the same things you did about people having concerns about left over metal from drilling and tapping into the manifold. I haven't read where anyone has had that problem but everyone (including myself) seems to go to great pains to ensure the shavings are all out. I probably went way overboard but I worked very, very slow. I also bought a small "bendable" magnet and rigged up a small tube to my Shop Vac hose. When I was done tapping it, I used the magnet and then Shop Vac over and over to be SURE nothing was left and I can assure you nothing was. I wasn't taking chanced on my month old truck. It REALLY is an easy install with the gauge and if you go to the lengths I did you won't have any problems. You can go after the turbo but the pre turbo gives you a more accurate reading.

[Harley Truck]

ohhh haha yea ok i get it now. Im pretty sure you and i were thinkign the same thing rodslinger. (probe breaks off and gets sucked thru turbo ) but if its just the shavings your worried about fear no more. I cant imagine how tough a job it would be off hand.... But i would probably just take the manifold off to do it. If thats too much of a pain yea i would just not worry about it, do what you can about not letting a crapload of shavings into the turbo. If a little gets in its no biggie, they'll be out within seconds.

[Rodslinger]

Yeah that's exactly what I thought initially.
Y'all keep one thing in mind too - when you're drilling and tapping, you are on your back drilling up so gravity is helping fall most of the shavings into your face. You're also drilling the bottom of the manifold, so the shavings can't fall anywhere but out the hole OR stay just inside the hole. That's where the magnet and Shop Vac came in handy. I venture to say that after I tapped the hole 95% of shavings were already out. If you want Smoke I can take a quick pic to show you exactly where I put mine.