I'm going to install a EGT, Boost and Trans Temp on my 99 24v. Is it necessary to take the turbo off before drilling the exhaust manifold to keep chips out? I've heard conflicting story's on this. I really don't want to if I don't have to. Thanks

 

put a bunch of grees on the bit, that will hold most of the chips the rest are small enoff they will blow out when you start the motor before the turbo really even starts to spin.

 

or run the motor when you are drilling it. But do put Greece on the bit

 

As said above, use grease. Just go slow, drill a little, wipe off the bit, re-grease, drill a little more, wipe-off.
Once through, use a pencil magnet down in the hole to try and pick up any shavings. Then start the truck and anything left will be blown through.
If there were ever a poll on here about it I'd be willing to bet at least 90-95% all left their turbos on to do the job.

good luck and take your time.

 

Thanks for the info. I feel a lot better about drilling with the turbo on.

 

i remember there was a guy who did both, too the turbo off and used greas he said what was left at the end wasnt worth haveing the turbo off to clean

 

Just be carefull with pencil magnet. More than just a few can leave the magnet down the hole. If you stroke the drill bit in one direction only it will magnetize slightly and the small chips will stick to it. Try it can't hurt.

 

Are all thermocoupler (sp) the same thread size. Want to drill and tap before i put the new turbo on.

 

I wrote up this article way back when using the drill while running method

 

another vote here for the while running method, when you see the bits blowing out of there you will know why i chose this way. manifold is a lot softer and easier to drill than you might expect, and thinner as well. Be ready for the tip to go through, don't push too hard or bit may snap when you go through and hit the other side. if you have a good short pilot bit and a short bit for the finish hole you can do it with a cordless dewalt, it will take a bit of wiggling to get the drill in and amongst tubing and ac lines but you can do it.