![]() It sends a signal out to the sender from the “S” terminal, and it is the senders job to vary this signals resistance to ground. ![]() Therefore, do not attempt to remove the capillary tube or sensing bulb for any reason.Ĭhecking the accuracy of a short sweep temperature gauge (one that uses a single terminal sender): This gauge typically has 3 terminals on the rear of the gauge (not including the light connections). Mechanical temperature gauges do not utilize a replaceable sender, and are typically not repairable. Also, knowing that water boils at 212 degrees F (at sea level) may give you an indicator as to the accuracy of the gauge in question. Of course use extreme caution when dealing with any hot fluids. Set the sensing probe fully into the water, and monitor the water temperature with the gauge and also with a known good & accurate thermometer. The proper method to test one of these temperature gaugesis in a pot of hot water. It is charged with a flammable, ether gas, therefore you do NOT want to test the gauges sensing probe with a flame. So, to re-cap, it is ok to use a temperature gum to make a basic comparison, as long as you understand, that when everything is working properly, the gauge will likely always read higher since the gauge measures core temp, and the temperature gun measures surface temp.Ĭhecking the accuracy of a mechanical temp gauge: A mechanical temperature gauge will have a thick black tube attached to the rear of the gauge with a sensing probe on the other end. Unfortunately, we want to know core temp, so that is what we measure and trust for our engine management systems, and for our gauges to know how hot the engine is. No holes to drill, and no plugged holes to locate, and no adapters needed. There would be no potential coolant leaks, or loss, and far less risk of burning yourself while working on a hot engine. Keep in mind, that if we, or any other manufacturer, as well as the OEM’s were able to record surface temp to give you an accurate temperature reading, we would all save a lot of money, and make installing a gauge much less messy, and easier to do. Your core temp may be as much as 220, or as low as 200, but still much more than what the gauge shows. If you get a reading of 195 with your temperature gun, while the gauge reads 160, then knowing now that the surface temperature is lower than core temp, you can safely assume that the gauge is indeed wrong. Here is an example: If the gauge is reading 160, but you suspect the engine is running hotter, you may take temperature samples with your temperature gun from the surface of the thermostat housing, intake manifold (where a water jacket is present), and sender location. So, when is it a good idea to trust the temperature gun? If you suspect the gauge of reading low, then that changes everything. ![]() So, if your gauge reads 195 and you point & shoot and get a reading of 185, you can safely assume that you are seeing a reasonable, and realistic comparison. This depends on the efficiency of the component being shot with the temperature gun to dissipate heat. A typical temperature difference would be between 5 and 25 degrees, between the gauge in question and the temperature gun. The surface area of what you are measuring has a job to do, which is to dissipate heat. Surface temp will always be cooler than the coolant inside the engine, or otherwise known as engine “core temp”. Here is why: Your temperature gun measures surface temperature, and has no magical ability to measure the coolant temp through the aluminum, or cast iron component. ![]() This is to be used as a basic comparison, not as an exact. It can also be used to compare a temperature reading with, with your gauge, HOWEVER…. These are quite the handy little devises, that work very well for checking the surface temperature of nearly anything, ranging from your header pipe, to your favorite cold drink. Comparing to the ever-growing, popular temperature gun (laser pointer, infrared gun, etc.). We are going to start off with one of today’s biggest misunderstandings when it comes to checking water temperature…. ![]() Sometimes there comes a time when you want to check the accuracy of your temp gauge, or maybe you simply do not believe the temperature that is being displayed. ![]()
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