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Head temp gauges

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J

jake383

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got my new 3.3 motor for 4910 truck, I'm afraid to break in without a temp gauge, is it a good idea to use for break in, and if so would like to no what is the range to stay in, and also whats better handheld or truck mounted? thanks:\
 
I've been told from many sources and through personal experience that measuring head temps is critical for easier and consistent tuning. I suppose that either handheld or on board will do the job, afterall they both measure the same thing. however a handheld could also be useful for other apps, like calibrating HVAC or oven temps. So I think a handheld could give you more bang for the buck. I use my handheld alot to measure outdoor temps, just aim and pull the trigger!
 
I wouldn't rely solely on an onboard gauge as they are usually close, but not dead on. It's always a good idea to have a hand held so you can see how far off the onboard is, then compensate when you look at it.

If you've only got the money for one or the other, I'd go handheld.
 
rak12 said:
I've been told from many sources and through personal experience that measuring head temps is critical for easier and consistent tuning. I suppose that either handheld or on board will do the job, afterall they both measure the same thing. however a handheld could also be useful for other apps, like calibrating HVAC or oven temps. So I think a handheld could give you more bang for the buck. I use my handheld alot to measure outdoor temps, just aim and pull the trigger!
Click to expand...

and check body temp! (For fevers and such) :D
 
i buy on-boards for all my trucks jus cuz its on the truck and you can't lose it, or forget it at the track. but like wat olds said make sure you have a handheld so u can calibrate the on-board, and id go with venom for the onboard theyve always worked good for me
 
HPI makes a great little handheld version with a wrist strap so you dont drop it...
 
yep thats the one i have got it off a buddy for $20, great temp gun, i think they are 40-45 new tho kinda expensive but worth it
 
I run my t maxx at about 160 because it wont get hotter without making it waaaayyyy too lean. but the book says 270 but you can run it a little hotter they lowball because they don't want it shipped back due to extreme overheating
 
Wow, 160 sounds kind of rich, I might be a little worried about stressing the internals from any unburned fuel. (hydro compression)
 
it's not rich though. it is the hardest motor to tune that i have ever had though. I had a STS DT30M .30 it was simple and it sounded great, but all my cars that i have had are hard to get over 200 in general
 
I have a venom onboard temp gauge but recently I've been taking my handheld with me and I'm teying to get a general baseline between the two readings, but there certainly is a difference between the two
 
I have teh same thing with my spektrum that uses the telemetry to give me engine temps. Spektrum says 270F, hand held says 240F. Freaked me out the first time I fired up a rig with the telemetry on...
 
I haven't really been into nitro for long and didnt even think about head temps and disregarded it until i bought my new spektrum dx3s with tele and I'm always checking out my temp didnt realise how important it was . Over here in england we mostly go by celsius and my average is about 140 is that normal ?
 
I too have a Spec radio with telementry and the temp feature is nice but tends to read high. I moved the temp senor ring higher on the head till temp readings were close to my hand held temp gun. Still check it with hand held when tuning.
 
Cheers for the link . Will place my sensor a bit higher and check it against my mobile one .
 

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