Hi Folks,
On a black-top highway drive,
what was your tire temperature? On side wall, on threads, on steer and drive tires?
What is the max. safe temperature range?
AJ
There are other variables such as ambient temperature, direct sunlight (driving north in the afternoon will increase temps on the driver's side), excessive brake use (such as mountain driving or city driving). i have never seen our tires hotter than about 115-120. Usually below 100. Jack
Jacks right on the money, as uaual. When we last drove in 70-80 temps ours never got over 105-110, that's running posted speed of 70 on I-20 in Texas, tires at 100 psi. Shaded side was 10-20 degrees cooler. I always take out my IR gun and shoot tires, brakes and 871 when we take a break.
HTH,
Paul
Are you guys pointing the IR guns at the sidewalls or reaching around to hit the tread? Is there much of a difference if you sample different places on a given tire?
Paul,
100 psi is this cold, before you get going?? Cause mine start at 90 and at my first stop 10 miles they increase 10 to 100 ?
My tyres run 115 to 120 to 130?
John
For sake of argument, let's just assume all tire pressures are taken cold ;D ;D
BTW-this is interesting information, Will
John, Yes 100 psi cold. To be honest I've not checked them at operating temp, just figured they would be 10-15 psi higher, I need to do that sometime.
Good point my friend!
I check the sidewalls as I feel that would be the best place to check because of the sidewall flexing, maybe I'm wrong by doing that, dunno. The sides are thinner so I felt if there was to be a problem, that's where it would occur.
If I'm not doing this correctly, please someone respond with the right way. ;)
HTH,
Paul
Quote from: Dreamscape on June 05, 2009, 06:56:07 PM
If I'm not doing this correctly, please someone respond with the right way. ;)
HTH,
Paul
Paul,
I don't have a clue which way is correct, but I think you should fire up that beast right now and take it for an evening spin and check those tire temps all the way around and then post the results for all of our enquiring minds, LOL
PS-We'll wait on you. ;D
Daytona Pete once told me to get concerned when the temp reaches 150. I checked my tires constantly on a trip last month and my front tires were around 90 and my drives around 130. He also told me to ask other truckers who pulled in if I could shoot their tires to see what their temps were so I would know if mine were on que.
Quote from: johns4104s on June 05, 2009, 06:50:08 PM
.....
My tyres run 115 to 120 to 130?
John
John, what kind of bloody tyres do you run?
hehehehe!
dg
Hello All, How much is a good IR gun and where do we get one? ???M&C
Got it at half price about 2 years ago at the local friendly auto parts store. Use it for all sorts of things. Very cool gadget. I also like my soup and coffee at 120F (thank you boggiethecat) HB of CJ (no sales tax in OR)
Michael, I bought mine at an electrical supply house, it's a Fluke, cost about 100 bucks. You can get one from HF for about 60. It's a must have tool for the guy who has to have everything!
PP, Good idea, except I didn't see it until after my first cup of java this morning! I have an idea, take yours out and give us a report! Hee Hee
Paul
M&C, you can buy a IR from different prices depending on the spot range.I buy mine from our local air conditioning outfit in AZ www.ackits.com sometime they have a good sale on the Mastercool gun for around 30 bucks (reg 57.00) don't waste your money on the HF gun
good luck
Tire temperature is not a strong indicator of problems, but it is still an important piece of information. Air pressure is the major factor that should be monitored.
Having said that, I check tire temperature at every stop. I alternate between feeling the tire and using the IR gun at each stop. Human hands can stand 140 degrees. Anything above that is quite uncomfortable and you would not leave your hand on the object.
I do a compete "walk around" at each stop. In my seminars, I talk about using most of my senses. In addition to checking the tires, I look for anything unusual (emphasis on hitch area) and smell for anything abnormal. Also use my hearing (still have quite a bit left :)).
When using the IR gun, I always "shoot" the tire about 2 inches down from the tread on the sidewall. That way you are catching the sidewall temperature primarily and a bit of the tread affect. Sidewall temperature is much more important, as that is where excessive flexing (from under inflation or overloading) will display elevated temperatures.
IR guns display temperatures accurately. That is both good and bad. Some folks get caught up in the fact that the tires vary from position to position and side to side. As already noted, sun will affect the reading, but wind loads will also affect them (hotter on the downwind side of cross winds). What you are looking for is abnormal temperatures.
I also check the front and bogey hubs with the IR gun.
As noted, IR guns are great tools. I try to remember to check my electrical panels at least twice a year. Loose connections will have elevated temperatures.
Jim
dg,
I have Bridgestone tyres OLD CHAP and I will be starting out at 100 pressure from on.
During my time in the refineries I had to use the temp guns to check 100 to 300 degrees f. I can assure you they are not that accurate, especially when the batteries get older.
They are a great fast easy way to get a rough idea but Jim is right advising us to check the temps with your hand.
John
I would suggest that an IR gun is amongst the most important diagnostic tools you might own.
(also included, a decent multi-meter, a hammer, thoughtful cold beverages ...)
Good rule of thumb for a bus conversion: Stuff that fails, gets hot on its way to failure. Stuff that isn't working that should be, will show cold.
Tires, bearings, brakes, radiators, engines, alternators, transmissions, electrical connections, batteries...
How is your heating/air conditioning performing?
Zone in your dash temp gauge, under load, going up the mountain, with a partner shooting the water pipes exiting the back of the block, through the floor access panels down the back (MCI, and thank you daughter Bre!)
Are the refrigerator or freezer temps set where you want them? under 40 for the fridge, over that, maybe that is why the milk doesn't last... Does the freezer need to be way down there, or a little higher for economy?
There is a peace of mind to pulling into a stop, put on the parking brake, quickly walk around the coach , keeping your hands clean, shoot the tires, the axle hubs, the brake drums, and the rads, IR gun back under the seat, shut it down and walk away.
Regarding the brake drums, where the heat is, is where you are doing your stopping. Where it isn't, you aren't.
I love my IR gun, and I don't like going coaching, trucking or trailering with a vehicle that I have to pay to get fixed without one now.
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Checking the temps cold doesn't accomplish much.
The main thing you are looking for is temp differences on the same side if sunny and on the same axle if not sunny. Differences are the key.
Actual temps don't mean much because of so many variables.
Check them after an hour or so running. Check all tires at the same point on each tire.
The sunny side will always be hotter, as already said. Pretty logical there!!
The rears will be hotter than the front because they absorb heat from the differential and engine.
The outside dual will we hotter than the inside (Maybe) on the sunny side but the inside will probably be hotter on the shady side because it is closer to the axle and differential.
If the brakes have been used heavily these thumb rules may not apply.
I also check my wheel hub temps for bearing problems.