measuring actual temps with an IR

[md02geist]

Hey all ordered an IR gun to measure actual temps on my stang and see how accurate the old gauge is. What are the best places for me to shoot? I have read up some on emmisivity but am still learning.

[Fstbk]

Just make sure you check it for accuracy first, mine is off but consistent.

Also, reflective surfaces can alter the results. Other than that just figure out what you want to measure, exhaust temps or coolant temps.

[md02geist]

I would like the most effective way to see if my engine is actually running hot as the gauge seems to indicate.

[Asm109]

Shiny surfaces give bogus results.

Painted or matte finish (rusty exhaust manifold or pipe) works good.

Other thing to check into is the spot size that the gun takes a measurement.

The shape is usually a cone that gets larger the further away you are.

If you a trying to measure the temp of a small hot spot from a distance you will get a bogus result because the gun is averaging the cooler areas around it.

For measuring water temps I either shoot the upper tank or the thermostat housing.

[md02geist]

Perfect thanks! What should I be getting at the thermostat housing?

[Greg'66 5.0]

With the engine at normal operating temperature, you should see a temperature somewhere around the thermostat's rated opening temperature - usually about 180-200F, depending on thermostat rating.

[juan]

Originally Posted by Asm109

Shiny surfaces give bogus results.

Painted or matte finish (rusty exhaust manifold or pipe) works good.

Other thing to check into is the spot size that the gun takes a measurement.

The shape is usually a cone that gets larger the further away you are.

If you a trying to measure the temp of a small hot spot from a distance you will get a bogus result because the gun is averaging the cooler areas around it.

For measuring water temps I either shoot the upper tank or the thermostat housing.

Yes indeedy. I shoot the upper tank--same spot every time. Gives fair+ results. John==La Vegas

[md02geist]

Originally Posted by Greg'66 5.0

With the engine at normal operating temperature, you should see a temperature somewhere around the thermostat's rated opening temperature - usually about 180-200F, depending on thermostat rating.

I run a 180 tstat

At what point should i consider her to be running to hot?

[mikemstang66]

IR guns are great but not accurate
best way to check is fill a cup with ice and water let sit for 1 minute then shoot temp
should be 32

fyi the farther away IR gun is to object the less accurate it will be .

[kd4pwh]

If it were me and I was wanting to compare the gauge to the IR thermometer I would point the IR at the spot where the gauge is getting its data....the coolant temperature sensor.

[09Frank65]

For best results you usually want the pyrometer as close to the spot you want to measure, usually no more than 8" - your manual will tell you the best distance for optimal results.

For the cooling system, there are two primary areas of concern. Temperature of coolant entering radiator top tank and the temperature at the bottom tank as it returns to the water pump. That gives you a snapshot of how your radiator is performing at idle. Obviously, once you're moving conditions will change.

As someone else mentioned, if you are looking to confirm the gauge, shoot it at the intake, near the sensor.

[22GT]

Originally Posted by md02geist

I run a 180 tstat

At what point should i consider her to be running to hot?

Ford considered 220° to be the overheat threshold.