I was going to suggest The Tool Warehouse as a possible source. Some guys really like the ST25, and I think their price is the lowest I've seen for that model.

Experimented with the glow plugs and a cold engine. Block read 60 degrees cold. Cycled the glow plugs and it read from 71-74 degrees on the glow plugs. Slightly higher after the second cycle. It's not easy to get a direct reading on the plug, but by scanning around it you can read the plug and the block. So, I think the non-contact thermometer is a quick test to see if your plugs are heating up or not.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I just got my new work toy...one of the "high end" Raytek IR thermometers with all kinds settings, emissivity adjustments, Hi-Lo alarms, etc. (just under $1,000....my company is paying so I chose a real nice one)
I just used it on a job today.....looking for water leaks/soaked sheetrock/etc. in a high-rise under construction (for moisture/mold management, etc.) ...this thing was really really really neat...instead of getting up to 30 foot ceilings on a lift or ladder with a moisture probe, I could just walk along the floor and scan the whole ceiling with the IR thermometer....wet drywall was about 4 to 5 degF cooler than dry.

Mark

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1984 300TD Wagon, 407,800 mi (current daily driver)
1985 300DT Sedan, 330,000 mi (gone to that great autobahn in the sky)

I had an odd bearing noise on another vehicle and used my non-contact thermometer for a few diagnostics. I ran two of the same vehicle through the same course and then measured things like transfer case temp, pinion bearing temp, axle bearing temps, transmission pan temp, etc. I also used it to test the glow plugs on my 1979 300TD. It's also fun while cooking

-Tad

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1995 G320
2003 C230 Kompressor Coupe
2005 ML500
2007 ML350

Cool. Just ordered one and tossed in one of thier bearing seating tools (since it looks like my right-front is in need of replacement). Not too bad for both tools delivered for around $80.00.

I know the surface temp of my tires while racing is nearly irrelevant but I'm sure I can derive some useful info about them using the laser temp tool, plus it just sounds like a fun thing to have in the toolbox.

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Yes, tried the cooking thing. Also, a friend of mine hurt her knee while skiing. Since it was 'inflammed' we took the temperature. Sure enough, sore knee 2 degrees warmer than good knee.

I'm now wondering if a well concealed and properly aimed non-contact thermometer might tell if someone is 'hot for you'? Anyone experimented with that yet?

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Mine just arrived today. Hey.. it even has a battery already installed so it's time to play as SOON as you open the package!

Measured the dog, the wall, stairs then the coffee pot (wow 165F on the caraffe) and yowsa.. 222F on the heating element! I've not driven any of the cars in a few hours so nothing really to measure there.. hmmm I wonder if it would come in handy next time I'm at the Karting track, look for the unit with the coolest tires and warmest motor?? For $39 it if quits working by the end of tonight I've gotten my bucks worth of entertainment out of it. I mean.. that's about equiv to watching 4 Hollywood movies and I'm sure I'll enjoy the no-contact sensor more.

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The world's a different place when you get one. Almost like getting an additional sense organ. With the price as cheap as it is, I'm surprised someone hasn't started selling a set of glasses with the technology installed in them to the general public.

I wonder if veterinarians or doctors have found any diagnostic use for them.

My house is solid triple brick construction heated with hot water radiators. I expected the bricks to be slightly warmer on the exterior where the radiators are since the radiators are just inches from the plaster. No difference I could detect.
The brick chimney section carrying the flue gases from the boiler was definitely hotter. There were even sections of the chimney that varied 25 degrees above others. Interesting.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I laughed out loud when I read this. Funny thing is, the dog was the first thing I think I measured when my RayTek arrived.

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

Great thread Lot's of real world info.

Poor doggie

Now I've gotta get one. I did web checking and found tons of models.

What one would be best in the $75-$125 range?

Primarily for automotive, but the more practical applications the better.

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83 300D 328k mi (623) Light Ivory - daily driver
82 300D 166k mi (881) Thisle Green - fixer upper
82 300D 282k mi (473) Champagne - parts

Update. Time moves along and prices of electronic goods spiral ever downward. Just had a look on ebay and a unit quite adaquate for occasional use.Most members will be using it for comparison purposes remember. Plus there is no gaurantee with the emissivity issue no matter what brand in the cheaper spectrum. Around twelve dollars including delivery from ebay is what I see today.

As for myself it only sees occassional use. By the same token it is really useful when those times occur. Tell the wife it would be a nice delayed stocking stuffer.

Merry Christmas to all as it now approaching very fast.

Harbor Freight now has a laser IR thermometer on sale for abt. $25. I bought one and it works fine.

I got the Cen-Tech 96451 for $19 on black Friday. I had the same thoughts/questions, but did not ask. I think it was worth the $ just for the powerful laser pointer, the strongest I have had.

I have used it on all sorts of things, but the first thing automotive I checked was my glowplugs. I guess they all work because they all read about the same. I expected them to be hot to touch, but were only around 50 deg. HA maybe none of them work! I had never really looked at them before. Some of them the wires are tight bolted on but some are loose yet seem to have a kid of spring loaded washer and maybe are supposed to be? Oh well, subject matter for another thread that I suppose will require pictures.

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'86 300 SDL '83 300D Astral Silver/Blue
354k miles.. 326k miles..

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...ine=1310252049

We use Rayteks and other non contact thermometers all the time as maintenance tools for steam and HVAC diagnostics. One thing I have learned is that if you actually want a true reading you have to spot your target with flat black paint. We find that we get a reading at least 10-15 deg higher by doing this. It is a bit messy but otherwise you will not be getting in the .95 emissivity range and your readings will be off by an unknown amount. The expensive units will have emissivity calibration settings but it is difficult to know when you have it right. With flat black it is always correct. Unfortunately this makes some of the typical readings suspect, black rad hoses probably ok, shiny aluminium valve covers probably not. Try it on a few things to see the difference. Cheers Dan

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It's always something simple
91 300D 603.960 (from japan) 194K
92 Toyota Diesel Landcruiser HDJ81-t 116K
02 Golf TDI new head courtesy of PO
87 300D
97 BMW 525 TDS Wagon 5spd
bunch of Onan and other diesel generators

I'm just sitting here thinking, "with one of those I could see if my 4 year old's fever has broken without waking her up".

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77' 300D, "Cartman" SOLD @ 150K (didn't know what I had)
83' 300SD, "The Superdon" 325k+ @ 28mpg
95 E320 wagon, "Millennium Falcon" 231k+ @ 24 Mpg
95 E300D, "Sherley" 308k @ 33.69 Mpg, currently anticipating a head
99 Suzuki Intruder "Trudy" @ 45 mpg