How the heck do you actually get the drill close enough to drill the exhaust manifold for a pyro probe?

You practically have to stand on the top of the engine to get anywhere close and I don't see how to keep the drill straight from that position.

Also, someone recommended duct taping the exhaust and running the engine during the drilling/tapping operation. Wouldn't it hurt the engine to run it with the exhaust plugged?

Brian Elfert

 

I put mine in on a slight angle...

I never ran the truck while drilling.

Grease the bit, use a magnet to remove as much as possible.
Grease the tap...as above.
I have done hundreds like this...nary a problem.

 

I thought it needed to be put in from the side. From the top is 10 times easier.

Brian Elfert

 

when you put duct tape over the exhaust pipe it creates backpressure that will blow out all the metal shavings the drill produces, that way you dont get any metal flakes into the turbo. i drilled a pilot hole first, then the 3/8 hole, or whatever size it is, worked out well and was alot easier to do then i thought it would bo