C3: Taking Engine Temp w/IR thermometer

[Dan Pepper]

The temp guage on my '69 L46 consistantly reads cool at about 150-160. The thermostat is a 180 unit. I used an IR thermometer the other day to check the actual engine temp after a 10 mile drive to compare. The intake read between 180 and 210 in various spots. The radiator read 96 degrees at the outflow elbow, the rad intake hose read 125 degrees. The front of the heads read 180-195 degrees.

What reading would show closest to actual operating temp? The Intake? Head? Hoses?

PS -These IR thermometers are really useful tools. My dog's nose is usally 76 degrees and his forehead is 90... and he'll chase the laser dot for hours.

[Phil P.]

cool motor hot dog *NM*

[Jack H.]

Re: C3: Taking Engine Temp w/IR thermometer

Try the bottom of the upper rad hose as it exits the intake. That's pretty close to where the temp sender is immersed in coolant...