egt wire splice

[paolomarks]

I've got a westach egt gauge and probe installed in my Vanagon diesel AAZ.  How should I connect the 2?  Specifically what gauge wire and should it be soldered or crimped.  How will more/less electrical resistance in the wire affect gauge readings?  Thanks, Paolo

[vanbcguy]

You need to use an actual thermocouple extension lead.  You can't just use any old wire or your gauge will read wrong.  

A thermocouple is actually just a junction (connection) between two different types of metal.  A tiny electrical charge is created by the two metals touching.  If you use say copper wire to connect your EGT probe to the gauge, the junction between the thermocouple's wire and the copper wire will create yet another thermocouple.  If you were to say just try and use something like speaker wire, you'd be adding 4 new junctions total (two at the gauge, two at the thermocouple wiring)

Here's a couple sources for extension leads:

http://aircraftspruce.tv/catalog/inpages/micro1pyroprobes.php

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20_3&products_id=179

I believe crimping is the way to go, however I'm sure Aircraft Spruce or Auber Instruments would be more than happy to tell you what they think is best.  I don't think solder is a good idea as it adds tin/lead to the mix.

[paolomarks]

What should I use to crimp with.?  Thanks, Paolo

[vanbcguy]

I'm not sure it matters as long as the wires are actually crimped together - the important thing is ensuring that the EGT wires and the extension lead wires are in physical contact with one another.

[paolomarks]

Thanks for the response.  I went ahead and bought some thermocouple wire as suggested. I have one more question.  Are the two different color wires that make up the lead made from different materials , ie. "dedicated" wires , or are they identical save for insulation color.  Thanks, Paolo

[R.O.R-2.0]

EGT wire is EGT wire.. just make sure its hooked up right..

[vanbcguy]

The individual wires are different dedicated materials. 

What he said... your probe should have color coded wires, the extension wire SHOULD have the same color code provided it is intended for the same market.  I believe Europe and the US use different colors.

[paolomarks]

Thanks, I'm should be good to go.  PAOLO

[theman53]

You shouldn't have 2 threads. I almost commented on this in again as I had thought I already did...I did in the TDI section.

[paolomarks]

sorry about the two threads , it was a mistake.  Paolo

[R.O.R-2.0]

separate, but identical threads really clutter up our nice, neat forum..

usually, if the forum users dont answer your question in one section, then what makes you think that just putting it in another section will change ANYTHING??

most of us post in all sections, not just the TDI, or just the IDI sections..

anyways, i (and quite a few other users) would appreciate it if NOBODY made duplicate posts in different sections on purpose.. unless it was absolutely necessary..

i mean, if VW was having a blowout sale on all the rest of their older TDI long blocks, for like oh, 99% off retail, then that would be a worthy of  posting identical threads in different sections

(thank you!!)

 

[fatmobile]

To connect the wires to the back of my gauge:
 I wrapped the wire around something small to make a coil, this coil slid tightly over the post on the back of the gauge.

[Syncroincity]

Here's 50 feet of type-K wire and a set of connectors for $24 shipped... He has extra connectors for a buck. Best price I've found so far except bulk rolls.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110783554486?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2661

Which Westach EGT gauge did you get? Link or pics? 

[paolomarks]

                   

I found some  k type thermocouple wire on the internet.  It has one red and one white insulated 7strand  wire covered by a braided steel sheath. Talked to the guy who sold sold it and he said the white is negative and the red positive.    My thermocouple has a red (negative) and yellow(positive) wire.  Does this sound right?

  My gauge is a westach 10-01273  from Aircraft Spruce.    Paolo

[theman53]

IIRC that is exactly how mine is hooked up. Red to yellow and white to red.

I checked mine by sticking a lighter up to the probe and watching the gauge.