Cool CHT's, need easy engine monitor

[Metzger130]

All, I’m breaking in 2 new cylinders, #3&4. I have only 1 Vans CHT gauge that happens to be on one of my new cylinders #3. The engine shop suggested to block the intakes partially to allow the CHT to get hotter to help the break in. I’ve been reading steadily around 275.

Negatives: I don’t have any way to watch all the CHT’s.

I don't know a good way to test the probe to make sure its accurate. I thought about moving it to #4 and see if Im getting the same readings.

Is there a recommendation on an "easy" engine monitor that i could install in a day or 2 that wont break the bank? I plan on a full Panel upgrade in very near future (Feb) but dont want to stop flying until then. Pic for reference to panel. Thanks in advance.

Brian

 

[BH1166]

In your area GA boil water, stick the probe in, should read 212F on your gauge.

 

[PaulvS]

One option for monitoring all four CHT is to install a MGL TC-4 instrument, which will fit into the panel and replace one of the existing 2.25" gauges. Apart from the gauge, it will also need extra thermocouples, obviously. The time to install it will depend mostly on running the new thermocouple wires through the firewall to the panel.

MGL Vega TC-4 Thermocouple EGT / CHT Indicator | Aircraft Spruce

MGL Vega TC-4 Thermocouple EGT / CHT Indicator The TC-4 is a 2 1/4 Sunlight readable 4 channel thermocouple color display instrument.

www.aircraftspruce.com

 

[DanBeadle]

All, I’m breaking in 2 new cylinders, #3&4. I have only 1 Vans CHT gauge that happens to be on one of my new cylinders #3. The engine shop suggested to block the intakes partially to allow the CHT to get hotter to help the break in. I’ve been reading steadily around 275.

Negatives: I don’t have any way to watch all the CHT’s.

I don't know a good way to test the probe to make sure its accurate. I thought about moving it to #4 and see if Im getting the same readings.

Is there a recommendation on an "easy" engine monitor that i could install in a day or 2 that wont break the bank? I plan on a full Panel upgrade in very near future (Feb) but dont want to stop flying until then. Pic for reference to panel. Thanks in advance.

Brian

Here is an off the wall suggestion for $70.

https://www.amazon.com/Govee-Thermometer-Bluetooth-Wireless-Grilling/dp/B09JK4QHWJ/ref=sr_1_9?crid=1IS9M973IHTA5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.f8oBJUdYIaJ5QnJtB_XWy2RuQttQkDucT1A1Fo8TRm7r7UBLzOha2UwsfPxnlT16_NUVcB3BFUwRkj5qwkc4rQCkeSknW8rVqARijXaAlmUXhalmu2pA9LeeZt2Ksd1EYhWjSSH_rZNSfHvzt5uj7FSuBy__-w45lg_fUgbAis1zjo-Abw9iiYGr13sNHmm48zloGPRqFjzFVZUeVz8DRjVtqWrKtkwvcexY86MmfK1HI2MxFpkPAJAbDKwt-V4jAHakpJdizO7A7GLUWYCw7qnlsxQKh7QmbItUsx9eMlc.c_yBQtf0HfYXpSWsmlbq0mwAoYQmcqssCCflT9fpyIo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Wireless+ther&qid=1730556321&sprefix=wireless+ther%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-9

Set this up as a temporary installation. You would have to rig up something to firmly attach the probe to the cylinder. Some systems measure the spark plug. A better method would be to use the bayonet ports on the lower side of the cylinders. Take your measurements and remove. Might not be super accurate, but by comparing with your current probe (put one of these there too) you can make a reasonable calibration.

For a permanent version, you might check out JPI EDM350 and get more engine management features including data recording

 

[DennisRhodes]

Suggest to remove your EGT and install a CHT guage. Could go economy with a CHT selector switch like what you have for EGT. Or lot of 2 1/4 inch dia thermocouple indicators for 4 or 6 cylinders, most include EGT also. In my opinionThe CHT guage will provide more assurance of engine "health" than the EGT. You could put as few TCs as you wanted to minimize cost. Used mkt for EDM700 around 200 to $300 . I've probably got one in the drawer for 200 if you want it.

 

[Metzger130]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

 

[Gabe214]

Man I installed the MGL or something like that. I have all 4 cylinders showing. Love it! (750$ is hard to beat for that, probes and all!)

 

[Roadjunkie1]

Electronics International has a switchable 2 1/4" EGT/CHT gauge for $580 (their web site price) that I installed initially in SuzieQ. That was adequate but I found wanted to monitor more than one cylinder and added the Remote Switch kit which has a 4-position switch, one position for each cylinder. The gauge: switch to EGT on the instrument switch and roll the remote switch through the 4 cylinders. Switch the instrument to CHT and roll the remote switch through the 4 cylinders again. I found adding the switch was WAY less expensive than a fancy new instrument. And I like it! The drawback, of course, is that you have to roll the switch to see the different cylinders but................so? Was it a PITA to install? Anything you will do to get readings from all 4 cylinders will be a PITA......