Engine Temp Variations

[mahoogan]

When checking engine temps with an IR gun I was always told to check the glow plug or around that area for the highest temp. I've noticed lately that on the side of the block casing the temps are generally ~20-40F degrees higher than on the head or plug.

So should I disregard the temp on the side of the block and go by the head? Or do you generally follow the highest number? I thought it was an air leak causing this in my 2.5R before I sealed it, but it's the same on my Savage. Both motors are running strong and holding consistent temps. With that said I could tune for more power but don't want to be running too hot even though people are saying to tune for power.

 

[DOOBEEWHA]

From what I understand...
Your temp sensor is likely to have different pre-set surfface settings that detect defferent emmissive levels from the surfface's that your reading from..

Coated metals, Sandblasted metals, ect. See if your dirrections for the temp sensor explain any of this.
That would be the reason your getting different temps from different surfface types.
At least that's my best guess.
And there's probably is some temp variance within the mills differnt area's.

Most temp sensors for nitro applications are pre-set for coared aluminum..
(top of the heat sink)
If all things are correct here, I would only trust the heat sink readings.

 

[mahoogan]

The gun I have is a Raytek IR with an LED pointer on it. It was purchased from a tool supplier and wasn't made specifically for RC applications.

I tried different directions and none seemed to matter, it was still consistently hotter on certain areas on the block. Maybe I will try to tune for best performance possible counting the head temp instead. Originally I just figured it was best to go by the hottest temp reading there was.

 

[Jeremy]

Just read the plug .. Your doing fine . When you tune make sure there is ALLWAYS a trial of blue smoke at full throttle