Laser Engine Temp Reading
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Waynesboro, Virginia
Laser Engine Temp Reading
I have one of those handheld pistol-like laser dot (?) temperature readers, and have a question that may be good for others general knowledge also....
Where would be the best place to spot on the engine or rad to get the closest to the gauge temperature? If it matters, this is a 351W. I think my digital gauge is reading way cool, but not sure.
Thanks, Paul
Where would be the best place to spot on the engine or rad to get the closest to the gauge temperature? If it matters, this is a 351W. I think my digital gauge is reading way cool, but not sure.
Thanks, Paul
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
I would check as close to the temp sender ov the engine.
That said I would also allow the engine to fully warm up and I would hold a signicant piece of cardbosrd box between the fan and the spot I was checking.
You may also want to check other areas of the block to see if they are hotter (NOT NEAR THE EXHAUSTS).
That said I would also allow the engine to fully warm up and I would hold a signicant piece of cardbosrd box between the fan and the spot I was checking.
You may also want to check other areas of the block to see if they are hotter (NOT NEAR THE EXHAUSTS).
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Those are great for general trouble shooting, I have one. Check the exhaust header at the flange to see if all the readings are similar a misfiring cylinder will read cooler, but if you are trying to get the same reading as a water temp gauge with a sending unit it just isn't going to happen, the IR gun is reading heat emission on the surface of the item, and a lot of variables are being introduced. The outside of the engine is radiating the heat at different rates depending on the material, and even it's color. Take a reading of your skin, it will not read 98.6 anywhere and will get different readings at different points in the body. The gun is also reading an area, not a pinpoint spot, covered by a cone with the point at the sensor (think of the beam from a pen cell flashlight in a fog), so you are reading a different area depending on how far away from it you are and what angle you are holding the gun at in reference to the piece. The laser in only a pointer, that is the CENTER of the area you are reading NOT the spot.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
Trust me, the laws of physics says that the external temp of a metal container (A radiator, not just THE radiator) will never be at the same temp as it's contents except when the ambient temp (temperature of the surrounding air) is the same as the temp of the contents. So the readings will never match except when it's been sitting a long time. There is nothing wrong with the IR temp meter, it just physics.
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I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Northshore, MN
they make thermometers for radiators similar to what's used in the kitchen. It has a point that fits into the fins witha gauge on the other end. Most shops use these for AC work.
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Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Waynesboro, Virginia
I appreciate the info. I might do a radiator experiment with a thermometer vs. the outside radiator temp at the same time to see how much of a drop off there is, for future reference. What the heck; that's what gadgets are for!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by theGman
I appreciate the info. I might do a radiator experiment with a thermometer vs. the outside radiator temp at the same time to see how much of a drop off there is, for future reference. What the heck; that's what gadgets are for!
