IR temp reading.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 282
From: Back in Nebraska
IR temp reading.
I have an IR temperature gun that I check my engine temp from time to time. I always checked it at the thermostat housing without a problem. I recently installed a chrome thermostat housing to brighten up my engine. Now I can’t get a good reading with the IR gun do to the chrome surface.
Where on the engine would be a good place to get an accurate reading other than the thermostat housing?
Where on the engine would be a good place to get an accurate reading other than the thermostat housing?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,434
Likes: 239
From: Powassan ON
I have an IR temperature gun that I check my engine temp from time to time. I always checked it at the thermostat housing without a problem. I recently installed a chrome thermostat housing to brighten up my engine. Now I can’t get a good reading with the IR gun do to the chrome surface.
Where on the engine would be a good place to get an accurate reading other than the thermostat housing?
Where on the engine would be a good place to get an accurate reading other than the thermostat housing?
I'd think that anywhere around the t-stat hosing would work.
dodosmike
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,705
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Interesting. I always wondered what the temprature drop accross the rad should be. I'd love to hear if others have similar numbers.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 363
Likes: 72
From: Somers New York
I noticed the same thing. With the engine idling, I will get a IR reading of 210-215 at the thermostat housing before the 195 switch in the DeWitts rad would turn on the Spal fans.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Sounds like you just learned a lesson about inexpensive IR guns. Tried that at first, but now have a Raytek ST-80 with adjustable emissivity. IR guns dont like reflective surfaces, and rubber hoses usually insulate somewhat. Maybe try a couple strips of electrical tape, a light coat of satin black paint, or even a black making pen on the part of the stat housing your sampling with IR. A little thinner should get this stuff off. Look at the gun, as if rated at 6:1, means at 6 inches, focusing at a 1 inch area. If say two feet back, thats a 4 inch area you'd be reading.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 282
From: Back in Nebraska
Sounds like you just learned a lesson about inexpensive IR guns. Tried that at first, but now have a Raytek ST-80 with adjustable emissivity. IR guns dont like reflective surfaces, and rubber hoses usually insulate somewhat. Maybe try a couple strips of electrical tape, a light coat of satin black paint, or even a black making pen on the part of the stat housing your sampling with IR. A little thinner should get this stuff off. Look at the gun, as if rated at 6:1, means at 6 inches, focusing at a 1 inch area. If say two feet back, thats a 4 inch area you'd be reading.