Where to take engine temp?

[3_Stroke_Motor]

Where do all you guys typically point your infrared sensors when your looking at the engines temp? I've always wondered where the optimal operating temps are talking about. When I'm running a good tuned engine, with high power all over the rpm spectrum I can measure the heat sink at the very top and read 230 degrees, in the middle of the heat sink a solid 245 and where the seal is located between the crankcase again a solid operating temp of 255 but when I go down deep to the middle of the side of the crankcase it measures 315. Which one of these do I actually go by? I sometimes point it directly down the heat sink to the glow plug and it will read 275.

 

[Canadiandiesel]

I've always point at the glow plug and for me that's the measurement because I think the glow plug is designed to hold heat better so it will show the true heat temp,


Sent from my smartass phone

 

[ckeast420]

yea i agree with the previous post
the glow plug is gonna be the hottest part of the engine on the exterior so its the best place to check

---------- Post added at 2:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 2:06 AM ----------

also depending on what vehicle you have you can point it directly on the side of the crank case
its not accessible on all vehicles but if it is i go for the crank case

 

[Phins Fan]

The bottom "flat" next to the glowplug for me

 

[Greywolf74]

I stick mine right on top the head and point it at the glow plug. I set it on the head so every time I check i know I'm getting comparable reading because its always taken from the same distance.

 

[Kyleb]

What distance from the glow plug should you take it? I know a quarter of a inch make a 10 degree difference on my engine

 

[Canadiandiesel]

Depends on the temp gun, And the instructions for using it


Sent from my smartass phone

 

[wvaughn7]

Most handheld temperature gauges that aren't the pistol style should be used within a couple inches of the engine, while the pistol style guns are more accurate for the most part making them able to take a accurate reading from 8-10 inches. Also remember that a temp gun with a laser sight is actually very inaccurate when extremely close the whatever is being measured from a sight standpoint. It will give you a good reading, but you will be "looking" at the wrong spot of the engine.

 

[2revo1maxx]

I take it from the glow plug and the side of the engine where the head bolts up.

The best thing to do is take it wherever you can get the highest number, but stay away from the exhaust manifold.