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Question about pyrometers for testing
I am tracking down an overheating problem in one of my vehicles, and it was recommended that I check coolant temps directly to rule out a malfunctioning dash guage. I'm wondering which testing device I should get:
Here is the first example: http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/thermometers/62.htm From my understanding, this will measure the surface temperature of the radiator hose. I wonder how much heat is lost between the actual liquid, and the outside of the hose? I've found other pyrometers/thermometers that have a submersible probe (such as this: http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/tif/hvac/7000.htm), which I assume would be more accurate, but more of a hassle to use, if not perhaps impossible, since you could not properly seal the hose to the fitting, and would thus have water/steam all over the place? Anyone? Thanks
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1987 Mercedes 300D ~200K (Greasecar & Biodiesel) 1993 Ford F-250 7.3 IDI diesel 165K (Biodiesel) 1996 Thomas/International Bus with DT466 engine |
#2
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I would go with that first one. Using it on the head or block, as well as the hose (hose will only be hot if the 'stat is open) should be accurate.
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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver 1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver 1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine |
#3
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Go with the Fluke.....
The Fluke is a good instrument...
You can use that to check many things, besides radiator temperatures..... Exhaust temp from each cylinder Exhaust temp before and after turbo jacket (cooling) water temp at each cylinder AC freon temps before and after condenser you could use it to spot hot spots on the sides of the crankcase (main bearings) you could use it to check your home's circuit breakers for hot ones you can check your house for insulation defects wheel bearings just after you stop or from another car while running the possible uses are many there will not be all that much difference in temperature from the coolant within the radiator or hoses and the surface temperature......where are all of those thermo scholars when you need them?? I think that's a good price as well SB
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Diesels: '85 300D, "Max, Blue Benz", 155K, 27.0 MPG '84 190D 2.2, "Eva, Brown Benz", 142K, 40.2 MPG '77 240D (parts car) '67 Eicher ES 202 Tractor "Otto" (2cyl, Air Cooled, 30HP) Gassers: '94 Ford F-150, "Henry", 170K (300 Six) 17.5 MPG '85 190E 2.3, 148K....Parts Car '58 Dodge W300M Powerwagon (Flat Fenders) Less than 10 MPG |
#4
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We have a Fluke at work and it works great. We also have access to a Agema 1000 FLIR that makes looking for hot spots really easy.
Last edited by Dubyagee; 12-08-2006 at 06:54 PM. |
#5
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I like the Raytek Autopro ST25. The Tool Warehouse has them for <$115, shipping included.
The "spot" being sampled is about 1/2" across at a distance of 8" from the unit - a bit smaller than that of the Fluke 62 mentioned earlier in the thread. It uses two intersecting visible beams to give a visual reference for when one is 8" from the target. |
#6
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If you are not going to make your living off this thermometer you might check Harbor Freight. I think they have a similar one for much less.
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#7
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I got a Harbor Freight one for around $40 I think. It works well. It's great for cooking as well as wrenching. Might even work for some medical diagnostics, not to mention figuring out if the woman on the next barstool is really hot for you.
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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 |
#8
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Yet another use for an IR pyrometer...!!!
Quote:
IR Temperature Detectors are gettin' to be like Duct Tape......whooppsss, I'm not allowed to go there........ SB
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Diesels: '85 300D, "Max, Blue Benz", 155K, 27.0 MPG '84 190D 2.2, "Eva, Brown Benz", 142K, 40.2 MPG '77 240D (parts car) '67 Eicher ES 202 Tractor "Otto" (2cyl, Air Cooled, 30HP) Gassers: '94 Ford F-150, "Henry", 170K (300 Six) 17.5 MPG '85 190E 2.3, 148K....Parts Car '58 Dodge W300M Powerwagon (Flat Fenders) Less than 10 MPG |
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