Checking various temps on the car

Tom Wesenberg

Well-known member
Just got home at 11 PM from a 25 mile trip. When I left at 1 PM the air temp was 92*. After a 25 mile drive at 45 MPH the differential temp went from 92* to 109*. The radiator showed 225* at the top and 192* at the bottom. I'm using a 160* thermostat and 50% antifreeze. The exhaust manifold showed 607* and the carb showed 158*. The oil pan showed 167* and the cylinder head showed 227*, while the jacketed part of the cylinder showed 218*. My powerhouse generator showed 125* and the water pipe to block showed 188*.

When I returned home at 11 PM I only checked the ****** temp and the differential temp. The air had cooled to 82* and the ****** showed 110* and the differential showed 101*.

I thought it would be a good idea to take various temps to have as a reference in case I suspected trouble sometime later. As you can see the ****** temp only rose 29* and differential temp only rose 19* after a good run. I use Mobile 636 in both.
 
Tom I assume you are using a thermal imaging gun. Where did you get it? This is a good idea. I'd like to understand the thermal impact a little better myself. I have seen people post about cars that run too cool and the affects this has on the engine, I'd like some data to prove or disprove...
 
Tom,
Sounds like you also have fun with your infra red thermo gun. You can also check your brake drums to see if they heat evenly, representing even stopping effort all around.
Enjoy !
 
Mike, I never worried a bit as I know the car is doing fine. I was mainly checking the differential temp after the REAR END VENT mentioned the other day.

Kevin, I bought my temp gun at Harbor Freight. They often have it on sale for $27.

Bruce, Yes, I also shot my brakes and the fronts were 92*. I brake easy and have my brakes set up as original, so the rears come on first. All four will lock up if I brake hard enough.
 
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