I have recently bought Automeeter pillar gauges for my E99 "hence my username", I have a few questions about the install.

1. What size tap amd drill bit is used for the EGT probe, and where is the EGT probe mounted?

2. Is there a port where I can insert the probe on my transmission?

Thank you in advance. I'm looking for anything I need to know when installing my gauges! Thank you!

 

You'll need 1/8 ntp tap-0.339 or 21/64 drill bit. Yes on the transmission port. If I recall correctly there is a plug that gets removed for the port. I,ll try to get u a pic tomorrow if nobody else comes along with a pic 4 u

 

This drill & tap was for my autometer gauge set about 9 years ago. Might verify this with whoever u bought your gauges from. Diesel manor has instructions for several sets also

 

I bought my gauges brand new

 

I'm sure there's other write ups but I used this before I found FTE.

The Diesel Garage - A Performance Diesel Site

 

My EGT probe is mounted in driver's side exhaust manifold at the curve where the up pipes mount. I believe that it is almost straight up but am not sure, I did not install it. You'll use the tap for the size threads of the probe and there may be two sizes available. Use the drill bit specified for that tap, mine have drill sizes stamped into the tap, others have a book that comes with the set, info should be found through Google search as well. When tapping DO NOT run the tap in too far, I'd say half way. It is a tapered thread and if you go too far you'll be asking what to do to narrow that hole up, you're probe won't get tight in there.

I am out of my wheelhouse on transmissions but I have read where the pros say to install the sensor in a pressure test hole on the side of the transmission. I do not know where that hole is located.

 

Brandon, I would be cautious about asking for tap sizes for a part that some or most of us do not have. I run ISSPro gauges and sensors and they may have a different thread than what your Autometer sensors have. If I were you, I would look through the documentation that came with the new gauges and go from there.

I have a ZF6 transmission, but I know there is a proper mounting location for the trans temp sensor. There was actually a post on here last week with some pictures.

 

Install the sensor on the pressure test hole on the driver's side of the trans. You should see a plug with a head on it that is easily removed.

 

When I bought my gauges(ISSPro) through RiffRaff, they came with great detailed instructions IMO and the EGT tap was included.

 

My autometer egt probe used an 1/8" npt. Diesel manor has VERY good instructions for all of the gauge installs. Hardest part is making sure you keep the hole centered and straight. A little advice, be mindful of how you want to route the lead for the probe, and make sure you have clearance. And like was mentioned, don't go too deep. Your kit probably includes a band type clamp as well if you want to go a simpler route. Mine did anyway.

 

EGT post-turbo is a waste of time. Drill and tap the manifold. It's easy. Don't sweat the metal filings either. You can vacuum, use a magnet, crank it up after drilling hole - just don't use grease!!!!

Those small, light shavings are gonna blow right out as soon as you crank engine. Temps will be low and turbine wheel not spinning very fast. They won't hurt a thing.

 

Some good common sense right here.

 

Just make sure you use a quality drill bit and tap. I had a glow shift drill bit and tap, the bit broke as the bit broke through, some how I got lucky with a needle nose pliers.

 

If your probe requires a 1/8" NPT tap then you need an 'R' drill bit for the hole (if it doesn't come with it). The tap is designed to go in straight but don't force it. I used cutting oil and a patient approach to cut the threads. I only cut about 1/4 turn then backed off each time. I also test-fitted the probe occasionally to see how far it was threading in (it will go even farther when you actually tighten it down during install so take that into consideration). Remember to use anti-seize on the threads when you finally install and tighten it down.

x2. There's a reason some of the taps and bits are a fraction of the cost of others. I also drilled with light pressure for a clean hole and minimize any breaking/chipping of the manifold on the inside as the drill bit broke through the wall.

 

Antisieze won't hurt anything, but it will go away the first time you hit 1200* EGT.

Test fitting the adapter or probe as you go is the right way to do it. You want the threads fully engaged in manifold, but if you go too deep - the adapter won't tighten up.

The first time I did this I stressed for days before pulling the trigger!!! It's not a big deal, really!!