EGT probe longevity?

[Carlos151]

Last couple of times I?ve powered up my Dynon FlightDEK D180 my number 3 cylinder EGT shows over 2000 degrees. Obviously the indication is not correct since the engine is not even running. About 30 seconds after starting up, the temperature comes down to within 20 degrees of the other cylinders and all indications on the ground and in flight are well within limits. The probes all have 375 hours on them.
I?ve got a Mattituck IO360 with a Plasma III for the top plugs and a Pmag for the bottom plugs. I routinely run LOP.

My question: what is the average life expectancy of Dynon EGT probes?

[flyinga]

I typically have to replace an EGT probe every other year. 4 probes in 8 years, or one every 200 hrs.

[Bob Martin]

I have JPI system, not Dynon, but a reference.
1200 hours on original probs.

FYI...hangar mate installed a new JPI some years ago....not long after, he had a probe fail "high"....JPI replaced it.

Seems I read somewhere Dynon works with universal probes.

Also, there used to be a ongoing debate between EI and Jpi on who's probes were better.

[Walt]

1500+ hrs on EI probes, no issues.

[RV6_flyer]

My EGT probes lasted life of engine and exhaust system. In other words, I ran my EGT probes for 2,200 hour. I replaced them and the exhaust system when cylinders were replaced on the engine.

[RONSIM]

My current probes have over a 1000hrs --- but, in the past, if I ever had erratic temp indications, it was always connections/wiring issues.

Ron

[dlloyd3]

I had several connection problems with my Dynon probes. The indications would jump around toward high temps or x out. One replacement probe consistently indicated 200 degrees or so low. Replaced the replacement and back to normal readings, inline with the others.
I had other probes in other planes go several thousand hours. Eventually the probe itself wears away in the exhaust stream and quits working. Some sooner, some later.

[alpinelakespilot2000]

Just lost my first Dynon probe at 500 hours. Had same indications as you more or less. FWIW, my probes are about 2-2.5? from the exhaust flange.

[mike newall]

Dynon ones - every 2 years.

[Carlos151]

Thanks gents for all the replies. Looks like as always, you get what you pay for. The higher priced probes are reported to last longer so it's a trade off on how frequently you mind changing probes.

Originally Posted by Walt

EI probes, no issues.

Looks like the EI and JPI probes are of a higher quality if you look at the reported longevity. At 3-4 times higher price than Dynon, and as easy as it is to replace an EGT probe, I'm not sure I can justify that price difference. At almost 400 hours and this is the first issue I've had.

Originally Posted by RONSIM

but, in the past, if I ever had erratic temp indications, it was always connections/wiring issues.

All connections and wiring have worked flawlessly from day one but I will definitely check the connectors next time I remove the cowling.

Originally Posted by dlloyd3

Eventually the probe itself wears away in the exhaust stream and quits working. Some sooner, some later.

This was my initial thought. Routinely see all EGT's in the 1350 range +/- 20 while in cruise LOP. Just like any other sensor in that kind of heat, they'll eventually wear out.

Originally Posted by alpinelakespilot2000

Just lost my first Dynon probe at 500 hours. Had same indications as you more or less. FWIW, my probes are about 2-2.5? from the exhaust flange.

Can't remember what distance I mounted the probes at but all four temperatures match up nicely so I'll take that as a good mounting location for all.