Checking header temps, Why?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 358
Likes: 96
From: Hattiesburg MS
Checking header temps, Why?
I was watching HoursePower TV and noticed the host using an inferred thermometer to check the temp of the headers. Other than checking to see if all eight are at the same temp what can this information tell you about how the engine is running?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,562
Likes: 5
From: South East coast Florida
You can check the ignition and valve timing. The hotter the header, the hotter the exhaust gas exiting the cylinder meaning burning fuel is being expelled instead of generating force to the piston. Counter that the cooler the temp, the earlier the ignition took place...maybe too early causing knock/pinging.
Some even install an Exhaust Gas Thermometer in their systme to keep tabs duting tuning/scan sessions. I haven't researched much in this area, maybe someone else has more details.
Some even install an Exhaust Gas Thermometer in their systme to keep tabs duting tuning/scan sessions. I haven't researched much in this area, maybe someone else has more details.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
It "can be" as simple as ensuring that a particular cylinder is firing, and that combustion is "as complete" as others by comparison. Not really rocket-science at all. Much akin to running your hand over the individual header-pipes of a Top Fuel car to check for "dead cylinders."
