EGT Probe and Blocking Plate

EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature gauges are commonly used on modified TDI's to monitor the temperature of the exhaust stream just before the turbo exhaust inlet.

Typically this involves drilling and tapping the exhaust manifold to install a probe - a daunting task for many. A workaround to this problem has been to make a plate that bolts to the EGR outlet flange and to drill and tap this plate for a threaded fitting to place an EGT probe. This method works but as the application is a bit unusual for EGT probes most commonly available ones are too short to reach into the exhaust stream to get an accurate reading. And people still need to have access to machine tools to fabricate the plate.

MCA's Simple EGT Probe solution bundles a properly fitting plate with a custom thermocouple sized to reach through the EGR flange opening and into the exhaust stream just before the turbo inlet - the best location to measure EGT's.

The following photo shows the prototype probe and plate resting on a VNT15 manifold.

Technical specifications of the probe: It is a 3/16" Inconel sheathed, MgO insulated, grounded junction, type K thermocouple (all the major brands of EGT gauges I'm aware of use this standard - VDO, ISSPRO, Westach, Autometer, probably others - check with your gauge manufacturer to be sure), the lead is stainless over-braided Teflon covered thermocouple wire. The length of the wire is a bit long to be sure that it will reach the usual gauge install locations - A-pillar, column pods, and the plate above the radio on cars with single DIN radios. The thermocouple wire lead can be cut to length by the user for a clean install without worrying about measurement accuracy - the general rule of thumb for this is that any length less than 100' is acceptable.

Differences in the production parts from the above prototype photo will be as follows:

The thermocouple probe will be 1" shorter so it doesn't stick up quite so far (the part outside that you see in the picture).

The blocking plate will be of Aluminum instead of steel.

The compression fitting will be brass instead of stainless. (here's a pic of the Aluminum plate with a brass compression fitting)

Price: $85 including shipping in the US and Canada

Options:

Probe with new compression fitting only - you may need this after a probe dies outside of the 30 day warranty period. (or if you want to use our probe to check the temperatures in your BBQ!)  Price: $65 including shipping in the US and Canada

Extra plate - can be used to close off the bottom of the EGR valve - will require an 1/8" NPT plug to close off the center hole.  Price: $20 including shipping in the US and Canada

Probe with stainless steel compression fitting - may be desired by folks wishing to use our probe in a conventional drill and tap installation method (required for A3 Golfs and Jettas and B4 Passats unfortunately).  Does not include EGR blocking plate.  Price: $85 including shipping in the US and Canada