IR Thermometer - Is this one good enough to do the job?

[Barn Owl]

IR Thermometer - Is this one good enough to do the job?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200329055_200329055

Is 428 degrees enough or do I need one that goes higher? What temperature would I expect an 8v71 exhaust pipe to reach?

Another one at 518 degrees:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91778

Thanks,

Laryn

[Sojourner]

Laryn.....517°F is all you need unless you are in the engine compartment while driven on road or dynamometer testing. Exhaust temperature never stabilize after driven on the road. It well below 518°F after few minutes in neutral gear. Gasoline engine are higher than Diesel in neutral gear.
About which one to go for....the non-infrared non-contact is good for close up recording which is what the Northern Tool is. In other word it more wide spread average temperature recording if you are not very close to the one subject. http://www.actron.com/publish/2006/09/05/Title2_16316.pdf
However bus-nuts need one for more practical purpose. With a "IR" (laser beam) you can be able to pick a spot that you want to record. So Harbor Freight is the one equips with laser beam to pin point. http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals/91000-91999/91778.pdf

About max-temperature version.....518°F will be more commonly use range but if you want to go higher such as 999°F then this one might be of your interest: http://www.dyertech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=DT-20&Category_Code=

The bottom line is that using "IR" thermo gun....must remember the "Distance to Spot Ratio" chart to remind user the range ratio difference of degrees per foot range.

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

[JackConrad]

Laryn,
   Watching the pyrometer while driving our MC-8 with 8V71, I have noticed temps when cruising at 55-65 are usually 450-600. Highest temps I have seen on a long grade was 775. When I let off on the throttle (coasting or idling), the exhaust temps drop to 300 (minimum reading on pyrometer in less than a minute.  We use our IR thermometer to check for poor electrical connections (poor connection=resistance=heat), tire and bearing temps, radiators (checking for plugged tubes), and comparing different exterior colors of coaches.
    Our IR thermometer ha a 6:1 aspect ratio. This means it 6" it is measuring a 1" diameter area. To check individual tubes in a radiator, I have ti be very close. The better thermometers have a 12:1 aspect ratio.  Jack

[Kristinsgrandpa]

  I would definitely get one with the IR pointer. Mine, like Jack's, has a 6:1 aspect ratio and works fine for me.

The angled head is a plus, mine isn't and is kind of a PIA to use.
You have to point and press the button, then tip it up to see what the temp. is.

Mine is a Craftsman and was $49.95 about 2 years ago when I bought it.

Ed

[gus]

Laryn,

I'm not convinced that these things are dead accurate anyway. I use them mostly to compare tire and hub temps and for different exh or cyl (On aircraft) temps.

As Jerry says you must use the exact distance stated for that gage. I have two and their spots and distances are different.

Check out Harbor Freight, I think they have the same thing for $19.99 but it may also be $29.99, can't remember for sure.

I notice that Northern Tools has them on backorder. I've found their prices to be a bit high and never buy from them.

[kyle4501]

The I/R temp gun is an infrared device that is surface dependant (works off reflected light), a flat black surface is most accurate & a shiney silver surface - not so much.

I use mine for trending. I know normal readings & when something is off, I know where to start looking.

FWIW, Mine is a Mastercool #52224 with an 8 to 1 ratio & the only thing over 800F so far, has been the wood stove.

[Dreamscape]

These guns also work great for finding hot spots in electrical panels. It will help you determine bad breakers, loose wire terminals etc..
FWIW

Paul

[H3Jim]

The distance to the object being measured  is not something you have to be accurate about.  What you do have to be aware of is that spot to distance ratio for your gun, and how large a circle you are measuring.  Just because the helpful laser pointer shows a dot, does not mean thats the size of the area you are measuring.

Typically the stats show the distance away that a gun can measure a 1" circle.  almost always, if you hold it close, its going to measure a nice small spot.  The trouble starts when you hold it too far away for that particular  gun, and its measureing say a 3" circle, not a 1", and your 3" includes not only the place you want to measure, but adjacent material that is a much different temperature.  Giving an inaccurate reading.

YMMV