Understanding the ins and outs of exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) and how they affect diesel engines isn’t knowledge you get just by virtue of owning a diesel. It’s a somewhat complicated concept, but one that’s important nonetheless if you’re interested in keeping your rig running smooth and cool.

Drilled and tapped, the exhaust manifold now has a place for the EGT sensor fitting.

Here to explain the process is Brett from TheTuningSchool, a YouTube channel that started in 2010 with the express aim of teaching folks how “really tune” using specific manufacturer and software brands. The team picked up a EGT kit (PN 9817) from SCT for the video, to be used with a Livewire TS programmer. The kit comes with a sensor, signal amplifier, and Livewire analog connector.

The video shows one of the exhaust manifolds uninstalled from the engine. As Brett says, “It just made more sense, and it was easier for me to do it that way.” We see right away that a small hole has been drilled out. The hole was then tapped and threaded for a fitting for the sensor. With the sensor installed, Brett had to find a grommet in the firewall. This was where the cable from the sensor to the programmer would route.

The cable from the sensor will route through a grommet in the firewall.

“SCT’s EGT kit is designed to be used with their Livewire device,” said Brett. “It gives you the ability to see what your exhaust gas temperatures are, which is helpful in making sure that they aren’t getting too hot and ruining things like turbos, heads, pistons, and stuff like that.”

The analog connector pairs with the OBD-II plug for the Livewire, and once established by selecting the right input in the Livewire, Brett is able to view his Super Duty’s exhaust gas temperature. Knowledge is power, as they say, and the more we can know about our engines, they more powerful they can run for the long haul. Check out more of SCT’s products online, and don’t forget to like it on Facebook, too.