Hello

I am looking to put a boost tester gauge in my car however im not sure where to tap in to as there are no small pipes to T in to.

Could I tap into my intercooler hose or similar ?

 

Thanks in advance

1 hour ago, Liam121093 said:

I am looking to put a boost tester gauge in my car however im not sure where to tap in to

You can tap into the intercooler hoses anywhere, though between the intercooler and the inlet manifold would be better, as the pipes get quite hot (well over 100C) on the turbo outlet.

The problem is tapping a small pipe into the big air hoses and tubes. On the 1.8TDCI, the MAP sensor is connected to the inlet manifold by a small hose, and this could easily have a tee adapter inserted. But I do not know of any small bore connections on the 1.6TDCI.

You can get M5 & M6 pressure fittings, that would screw into a suitable tapped hole, which could be made in a rigid plastic or metal tube. The wall thickness would need to be 2 or 3mm for a reasonable amount of thread (or 3-4mm for M6). You would need a 4.2mm drill and an M5 tap, or 5mm drill & M6 tap, to make the hole. Eg.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Male-Stud-Push-In-Fit-Pneumatic-Fittings-for-Air-Water-Hose-Tube-4-6-8-10-12-mm-/262444858313?var=&hash=item3d1aeebbc9:m:mom6pNe9e5lyvpOljpWBB7A

But if drilling into any part of the system to make a tapping point, I suggest removing the pipe entirely first. Then you can check the wall thickness, and also avoid swarf in the pipes, which will go straight into the engine, via the valves. Not nice!

I am a bit surprised not to see suitable clamp on adapters advertised, but a very quick look did not show any. Maybe there are some hidden away if the correct search term can be found.

(I have tapped into the electrical signal from my MAP sensor, but this involves finding out what the signal is, breaking in to the car wiring loom, and getting a suitably calibrated display. I design & manufacture pressure transducers, so have the means, but it may not be very easy for others!)

 

 

25 minutes ago, Tdci-Peter said:

You can tap into the intercooler hoses anywhere, though between the intercooler and the inlet manifold would be better, as the pipes get quite hot (well over 100C) on the turbo outlet.

Brilliant as I thought, would it be better to use some PTFE tape on the thread to make sure there is no leaks.

 

I did see a video where the bloke drilled a 3mm hole and forced a right angle adapter piece (5mm) in which he said was extremely snug so no leaks.

I would definitely take it off to do it don't want more engine problems ha ha.

Just wanted to make sure it would work the same as a small pipe.

Thanks for your help.

6 minutes ago, Liam121093 said:

would it be better to use some PTFE tape on the thread to make sure there is no leaks.

Yes, or some sealant. Bought fittings have an o-ring seal, but this will only work against a suitable flat surface, which is unlikely with an improvised tapping.

In fact, a little bit of leakage would not be a problem as it is only air. It is more about making sure the fitting is not going to be suddenly ejected after a year or so in service. Though even that would not be catastrophic, just annoying, like any other turbo hose leak. So provided nothing can enter the engine (like a nut falling off inside the duct), there is no real hazard.

Since a diesel intercooler duct is never under a vacuum, it is not likely to suck bits in from the outside.

Ok great thanks for your help 

https://www.viperperformance.co.uk/hose-plugs-blanking-caps_10103_self-seal-take-offfor-silicone-hoses.html

Used these in the past with no issues

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

excuse the mess, I usually clean it up but it was chucking it down and I couldn't be bothered :) anyhow, that's a self sealing T piece, has a rub seal on both sides and is tightened  with that nut you can see. due to the nature of the system, all additional pressure will help seal it more so far, no leaks at all, ive had it in place since last year.