While brousing thru Harbor Freight I ran across an infraed thermometer at a price I could not resist. A new toy thinks I. It occurs to me that in order for the instrument to be very usefull I will need a list, inventory if you like, of key temps taken under normal opperating conditions.

Given that my car is an 05 XJR do any of you blokes have a feel for what temps I should inventory?

Does anybody have a lead on an authoritive publication on the proper use and application of this device?

 

I have used them as a mechanic, but to give a list of this should be this temperature is probably not going to happen. The ranges are too wide. You can use them to see if temp sensors are right. Then you can get readings on bearings after a drive to watch for problems. Looking at each exhaust outlet point on the engine can tell you if a cylinder isn't running as strong as the others. Oil shouldn't go above 180 degrees F. They can be fun while you're working.

 

These can expose a lot of problems. They're great diagnostic tools when used right. Wheel bearings, radiator in and out, heater core hoses, tires (when they get low they run hotter)
tranny, as well as all sorts of things around the shop. Get some baseline readings so you know when you are outside the normal ranges. Also have gotten misreads on shiny surfaces before. Try to shoot matte/dull targets when possible. If it has a laser for aiming that's fun to have the dog chase around the yard (gets them tired so they sleep all night) just don't shoot it at them or in their eyes.
Chad

 

I have gathered more info. on Infrared Thermometer apps, none Jag specific so far, but still usefull:

Oil-- not to exceed 180 degrees F.

Brakes---look for problem areas to be significantly hotter than other 3. Nominal on my car is approx. 110 D F

Heater Hose Inlets-- measured at firewall. Inlet will run approx. 20 degrees hoter than outlet.

Cat. Converter--output temp. runs 20 to 30% hotter than input.

AC Outlets---25% cooler than ambient.

Ign. Coils---malfunctioninlg coils run significantly cooler than good ones.

Engine Missfires--- bad clynder can run 100 degrees cooler than good cylenders measured at exhaust manifolds.

Thermostats---fully open thermostats have nearly same temp at input and output.

Upper Rad Hose---197 degrees

Lower Rad Hose---165 degrees

Body of fill/overflow tank---199 degrees

Hope this proves as usefull and interesting to others as to me. More later.

 

I bought one specifically to help with the Transmission service.

 

Also good for avoiding food poisoning!

 

Bump. See additional base line temps. in thread # 4.