Author Topic: EGT Gauges:  (Read 1420 times)

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Offline JustaRacer

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EGT Gauges:
« on: January 18, 2013, 11:07:30 AM »
This is old news for most of you, but the topic had come up elsewhere, so I thought I'd post:

Conventional EGT gauges use a thermocouple probe.  Thermocouples work because 2 different metals will generate voltage based on the metals, and the temperature.  So DO NOT extend EGT probe wires if you want accurate readings.  If you must, some mfrs sell probes with longer wires, or they sell a specific adapter wire to extend it.  Changing the metal composition will change the voltage output.  BTW- the voltage is in microvolts, so inside your gauge is an amplifier.  Some use an external amplifier.  This is why your datalogger won't read EGT data through a normal 0-5v port.

Now, there is a newer kind of EGT temperature sensor.  It generates resistance based on temperature, so this does not apply, and it can be read through a normal ohm sensor port.  It will read from below zero, to over 1850°F more accurately than thermocouples.  They are found on newer engines that use EGT sensors as part of their emission system.  2008+ GM diesels use this kind of sensor.  While water temp and oil sensors work this way, they do not have the range of the new EGT sensor technology.



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Offline Dean Los Angeles

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Re: EGT Gauges:
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2013, 12:22:23 PM »
They might be new to the GM crowd, but RTD (resistance temperature detectors) have been around for a century.

They are constructed either from a thin-film platinum, wire wound resistor, or coiled elements. None will withstand being directly in the exhaust and have to be shielded. They are slower to respond. Slower as in seconds versus fractions of a second for a thermocouple.

RTD sensors are more accurate. Thermocouples are accurate to about 5 degrees at 1300F.

I don't think that anybody using an EGT needs better accuracy if they already have one installed. If you are looking for a new EGT it's worth a look.
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Offline JustaRacer

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Re: EGT Gauges:
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2013, 01:20:50 PM »
They might be new to the GM crowd, but RTD (resistance temperature detectors) have been around for a century.

They are constructed either from a thin-film platinum, wire wound resistor, or coiled elements. None will withstand being directly in the exhaust and have to be shielded. They are slower to respond. Slower as in seconds versus fractions of a second for a thermocouple.

RTD sensors are more accurate. Thermocouples are accurate to about 5 degrees at 1300F.

I don't think that anybody using an EGT needs better accuracy if they already have one installed. If you are looking for a new EGT it's worth a look.

I'm pretty sure this is a new technology.  I'm having a hard time finding out how they work.  The core appears to be ceramic, and has a perforated stainless tube around it, you can see the element, no wires or metal film.  It reacts almost instantly, and has a huge range.  Pretty bizarre whatever it is.  Note the holes in the tip, and deep probe length. 

Here's the test chart on it:

°C
°F
OHMS


1000
1832
849

900
1652
795

800
1472
738

700
1292
680

600
1112
618

500
932
554

450
842
521

400
752
488

350
662
455

300
572
420

250
482
385

200
392
349

150
302
313

100
212
276

50
122
238

25
77
220

0
32
200

-20
-4
185

-40
-40
170

Note, -40 is the lowest I can get.  Need some liquid nitrogen.  Seems it's going bottom out at absolute zero?
My doctor told me to go out and kill people.
Well, sort of.  He told me to reduce the stress in my life.