Do I want to install a Diesel EGT monitor?

Occupant5143 · 03-03-2018, 05:07 PM

I'm sorta confused. I understand that the exhaust gas temperature is a critical item to the operation of diesel engines. Too high a temperature over an extended period can damage vital engine components leading to expensive repairs.
What little research I've conducted on the diesel forums has me confused. One forum says that the Ford F250 Super Duty 6.7L diesel does not directly measure the EGT yet another says that EGT is measured in four places downstream of the exhaust manifold. If EGT is so critical why the confusion?
My dashboard has a gauge for the EGT but in typical auto industry fashion it is just an indicator without units of measure. It just says L--H with yellow and red zones. What exactly is it monitoring?
Should I be considering a third-party sensor/gauge for monitoring EGT for towing?

donzinger · 03-03-2018, 06:56 PM

Mine are aftermarket - I have two. One is pre-turbo which I monitor for cool down, the other post turbo. Not sure where yours are taking measurements. Mine I drilled and installed myself right in the center of the exhaust flow stream. Both of mine have red on the gage at around 1300 degrees. My post turbo gage has a red light that will come on to indicate too long at the high temp limit. I mainly installed them for watching how much fuel I am putting to the engine with the performance mods I have done. Banks hardware and a Smarty Jr tuner from MADS. I run the Smarty on tow setting for towing the camper. Smarty dropped my EGT about 200 degrees when towing and then the ATS Aurora 3000 dropped another 200 degrees +/-. So with those changes I can push the truck a little more as far as how long I can run it before having to shift based on my EGT. I-77 coming north I only have to down shift into 5th, where before I was going in to 4th gear.

In my opinion, I think even if I had a factory installed EGT in the dash, I would have one I put in so I know exactly where the measurement is coming from and there is no chance of "corrections" by the ECM. They are very easy to install.

Hope this helps.

wildwest450 · 03-03-2018, 09:39 PM

Not a diesel guy, but everyone should have one of THESE It has an app through your phone that gives you every reading your computer puts out. It also reads and clears codes. I leave mine plugged in 24/7. I do recommend payiny a few bucks for the pro app, I think it's called "torque pro". It's an amazing little tool for the money.

1l243 · 03-03-2018, 11:43 PM

In my opinion If your truck motor is factory stock you don't need after market EGT gauge. If your running a tuner or chip you absolutely need a after market EGT gauge. I would not rely on the OEM factory gauges. Drill and tap the EGT probe right into the manifold.....

That said I would not trust the factory transmission temp gauge with or without a tuner. After market gauge with sensor screwed into transmission port.... will give you the best read.

I run a Tuner I added EGT, Trans and Boost. I also added a Cold Air intake and Ford 31 row 6.0 transmission cooler....

If I am in my 60hp towing tune going up a 6% 3 mile grade I would have a meltdown without a after market EGT gauge.... The gauge tells me to take my foot out of it...

ATCguy · 03-03-2018, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildwest450

Not a diesel guy, but everyone should have one of...

Someone referred me to that thing about a year ago, and I was gonna get it. but then, the following in the description caught my eye, and killed it.

Transform your phone, tablet, or PC into a professional-grade automotive scan tool (not compatible with Apple iOS devices)

Occupant5143 · 03-04-2018, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildwest450

Not a diesel guy, but everyone should have one of THESE It has an app through your phone that gives you every reading your computer puts out. It also reads and clears codes. I leave mine plugged in 24/7. I do recommend payiny a few bucks for the pro app, I think it's called "torque pro". It's an amazing little tool for the money.

I use the freeware version of Torque Pro but sadly adding a display for EGT does not seem to be available for some reason.

wildwest450 · 03-04-2018, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATCguy

Someone referred me to that thing about a year ago, and I was gonna get it. but then, the following in the description caught my eye, and killed it.

Transform your phone, tablet, or PC into a professional-grade automotive scan tool (not compatible with Apple iOS devices)

You can get one for an iPhone, but it's made by a different company, and like everything associated with Apple, it's more money

pdonoghu · 03-04-2018, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATCguy

Someone referred me to that thing about a year ago, and I was gonna get it. but then, the following in the description caught my eye, and killed it.

Transform your phone, tablet, or PC into a professional-grade automotive scan tool (not compatible with Apple iOS devices)

Or you could get this one that works with iOS, and is cheaper.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got the iOS OBD Fusion app to read codes & do resets.

Occupant5143 · 03-04-2018, 09:52 PM

This is the ODB II monitor I use : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They also make one for IOS too.

franktafl · 03-04-2018, 11:59 PM

I'm thinking about purchasing this for my Titan! It's on the list of whenigetaroundtuit.

azdryheat · 03-05-2018, 01:29 AM

I'm on my second Diesel and so far haven't felt the need for the gauge in question.

Occupant5143 · 03-05-2018, 03:42 AM

After traveling with this setup for three years and over 15K miles of towing I've not had temperature related troubles with the truck. I think for now I'll skip the addition of the EGT monitor but keep a close eye on the dashboard indicator in the future. It appears that the stock tuning is designed to keep temps in a safe range. I'm pretty happy with my F250 as it is. The only mod I felt compelled to add was the Timbrens suspension enhancement. Other than that I think I'll leave good enough alone.

donzinger · 03-05-2018, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Occupant5143

After traveling with this setup for three years and over 15K miles of towing I've not had temperature related troubles with the truck. I think for now I'll skip the addition of the EGT monitor but keep a close eye on the dashboard indicator in the future. It appears that the stock tuning is designed to keep temps in a safe range. I'm pretty happy with my F250 as it is. The only mod I felt compelled to add was the Timbrens suspension enhancement. Other than that I think I'll leave good enough alone.

In stock form, you're more than likely correct. These trucks are built to tow and do it well. I prefer to remain pre-emission control and be able to tinker with the truck, so that's where I feel the gauges are a must. Looking forward to another camping season!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

acdii · 02-25-2019, 01:06 AM

The EGT is helpful in today's stock Diesels for the Regen cycle. A lot of Ford 6.0 and 6.4 diesels became boat anchors after the regen failed and torched the rear cylinders. If a good EGT is installed it would alert the driver that there is something wrong.

azdryheat · 02-25-2019, 03:36 AM

I've got over 100,000 miles on two Duramax trucks and never found the need for an RGT gauge.

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