While a CHT sensor can technically be installed on any cylinder, the placement does matter—especially when accuracy, consistency, and performance tuning are priorities. In most cases, you should install the sensor on the cylinder that runs hottest or is most prone to detonation.
Why Cylinder Choice Matters
Each cylinder in an engine may experience slightly different thermal conditions due to variations in airflow, fuel mixture, cooling flow, and engine geometry. For performance or motorsports applications, monitoring the hottest-running cylinder ensures that you are tuning and protecting your engine based on the most thermally stressed location.
Common best practices include:
- Air-cooled engines: Install the CHT sensor on the rear-most cylinder since these often receive less airflow and tend to run hotter.
- Liquid-cooled engines: Placement may vary depending on coolant flow and engine layout. In this case, consult engine-specific data or thermal testing to determine the hottest cylinder.
Tips for Sensor Placement
- Use data or experience: If you’ve done dyno testing or thermal imaging, use that information to identify the hottest cylinder.
- Be consistent: Always install the sensor in the same location for repeatability in tuning and comparison.
- Single-sensor setups: When using just one CHT sensor, always choose the hottest-running cylinder.
- Multi-sensor setups: If your ECU or data system supports it, using CHT sensors on all cylinders can give the most complete picture.
Summary
You can physically install a CHT sensor on any cylinder, but for accurate performance monitoring and engine protection, it’s best to install the sensor on the hottest-running cylinder. This provides the most reliable early warning for overheating or detonation issues and helps ensure you're tuning your engine for its most demanding conditions.
Have questions about choosing the right CHT sensor or finding the best location for your setup?
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