Temperature... how to check.

[Arthurdaily]

I don't suspect high temperature, and the car drives well - but I would just like to check the running temperature of my minor after a run - how can you check the temperature? What sort of thermometer is best and where do you 'stick it'! or hold it.

ArthurD

[lambrettalad]

best to buy /rob a temp gauge ,then you will always know

[Arthurdaily]

haha - I have a temperature gauge, but a temperature gauge, lets face it, only tells you relative temperature - I want to know, exactly, what the actual, undisputed 'degrees' are - just once - to see what 'normal' on the gauge actually means :0)

[lambrettalad]

some are calibrated in actual degrees

[Arthurdaily]

Not this one lol, it is a cold, normal, hot type.

[John.n]

what will it actually tell you? relative temp is enough to tell you something is wrong.
are you just checking out the thermostat?
Regards,
John

[Arthurdaily]

To be honest I have a touch of Asperger Syndrome, and I just want to know what the temperature is, no reason except it is in my head - I know the thermostat is opening, the heater is warmish, the car chugs along nicely, all is well... except I can't sleep until I know what the temperature is... odd to some, but normal for me (and my wife who still, weirdly, lives with me)

So, does anybody know what type of thermometer to use and where to stick it? On the manifold, top of radiator? Any help appreciated (seconded by my wife)

[lambrettalad]

well if I ever were to do it I would........place a large towel over the radiator cap after a long run,then slowly take the cap off ,so as not to scald myself,then place a 100 plus thermometer in the the radiator liquid .........

[bmcecosse]

Borrow a mercury thermometer from the Physics Dept at skool - take the rad cap off and start the engine and let it warm up to 'N' on the gauge -keep it running and put the thermometer into the water and read off the result...... If you want to know what it is when 'H' then take the fan off and shove a sheet of cardboard down the front of the rad - and read off the thermometer when the guage goes to 'H'.....

[chesney]

If it's a capillary gauge you 'could' make a note of the running temp (even mark on the gauge in marker pen), remove gauge then boil some water, pour into jug with sensor in and use a thermometer to see at what temp the gauge matches. This gives you the opportunity to see the H value also. This will give you the most accurate answer.

[Arthurdaily]

Brilliant ideas - thank you.

[GeordieDave]

Where abouts in the country are you Arthurdaily? I've got a non-contact thermometer, just point it at the area you're interested in - hoses, exhaust, radiator etc. and there's your answer. You're welcome to call in and use it or if I'm passing, I'll bring it along.

[moggiethouable]

Hot enough to cook beef and lamb, not pork though.Dont tell the missus where it went.[frame][/frame]
Really though this is as accurate as my dash fitted temp gauge, they are only a couple of quid in your local kitchen type shop and theyre made by Brannan in Cumbria.

[bmcecosse]

It doesn't give a cooking temperature for Horse!!! Never been so glad to be vegetarian......

[Arthurdaily]

Thanks everybody, especially Geordie dave for your kind offer - but found an oven thermometer with dangly probe in wilkinsons for 3,99, works a treat!!

[lambrettalad]

and the temperature was ......................................................?

[Arthurdaily]

79 degrees after a run.