I don't trust my temp gauge - as it almost always reads below the first line (about 1/4 the way up).

After some in town/traffic driving - I used one of those infrared 'guns' to measure some temps. Rad hoses were 160-190, as were most of the engine surfaces - Valve covers, tstat housing, valley, etc.

Does this sound about right? Maybe somebody on here with a temp gun could do the same 'test' and let me know your readings, along with the corresponding temp gauge reading.

TIA!

 

Sounds about right. The engine is designed to work at around 185-195 degrees.

 

The desired core temp is in the 180 - 185F zone IIRC, which is also the normal thermostat pellet rating (83C) ... so it would appear that your engine is nicely on spec. My cars normally indicate at the first white line .... whatever that is.
If running hot, even by a few degrees, the nose is a sensitive and reliable indicator ... or will have to do until an IR gun finds its way under the Xmas tree ...

 

Thanks for the responses...understanding that the engines are designed for ~190...are my 190ish EXTERNAL engine temps ok?

 

I have just done the same measurement with an infrared temp sensor and got the same results. My temp gage was reading high, which is why I used the IR sensor. By the way, Radio Shack has these IR temp sensors on sale now for abour 1/2 price, around $20 if I remember right. Even at full price I thought they were a good deal. You will find then incredibly usefu. Just yesterday I used it to determine which breaker was failing under the power drain of the Christmas lights.

 

I agree, that's a screamin' deal. But are you sure? I just got off the phone with the local Shack and they'd never heard of the deal. Still $49.95. At $20 it's a stocking stuffer.

This is what i found - Catalog #: 22-325

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search