Section : General

General Tools and Techniques messages

IR thermometer

Posted By : John Davies, 17-Nov-2006, 05:45pm

All,
Many Triumpheros worry about their water temp gauge.
The way to know what is happening is to measure the water temperature directly.
I've found an Infrared thermometer very useful for this - it IS direct, but remote, no sensors to position in the waterways.

Just got a new catalogue from CPC, the electrical and electronic vendors, with a special offer - end of line of IR 'meters.
Go to http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail....
Priced at &163;55, this is in the sale at &194;&163;23.50!

And another, see: http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail...
priced at &163;43, on sale at &194;&163;25. Or &194;&163;29 for a different temp.ranges, both would do for engine/water temps.
Both are "while stocks last". Ring 08701-20-25-30
John
(No connection with CPC or Farnell)

Followups :

IR thermometer

Posted By : Mark Palmer, 17-Nov-2006, 06:10pm

Hi John,

I've seen these for &163;12 on Ebay, and on other sites. They look quite good. However, you'd need to point the transducer directly at the hot water, since the hoses are partially insulative and the specific heat capacity of the radiator fins will give a false temperature reading.

Mark.
- IR thermometer
  
  Posted By : Jon Morton, 17-Nov-2006, 07:17pm
  
  I've heard of dipsticks with thermometers on the end. I had considered buying a remote thermometer as below, to effectively do the same job, by putting it down the dipstick hole (when you have stopped).
  
  http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MULTI-DIGITAL-THERMOMETER-IN...
  
  And
  
  http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Professional-Digital-Multite...
  
  After all the oil temp is far more important than the water temperature.
  
  Although it won't be as accurate as taking a reading while running it would be close
  
  Jon
- IR thermometer
  
  Posted By : John Davies, 17-Nov-2006, 10:44pm
  
  Okay, what's your solution?
  - IR thermometer
    
    Posted By : Ian Mulford, 17-Nov-2006, 10:50pm
    
    I rely on the fact my gauge is wrong by a certain amount and if the thing does overheat there will be a fair amount of steam and bubbling noises
    - IR thermometer
      
      Posted By : John Davies, 18-Nov-2006, 09:54am
      
      You're a lot more confident than many!
      If you search, 'my gauge is over/under reading' or similar is a common plea.
      
      John