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Rant: My cheap infrared temp gun gave me a false reading on a 6.7 Powerstroke
I was checking for a hot spot on an EGR cooler last Tuesday, using a $40 infrared thermometer I grabbed from the parts store. It showed a 40 degree difference between two spots that should have been the same. I almost started pulling the cooler based on that. Then I borrowed my buddy's Fluke unit and the temps were dead even. Learned the hard way that the cheap ones can't handle shiny metal surfaces well at all. Has anyone found a decent mid-range temp gun that actually works on manifolds and turbos?
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amy_adams1311d ago
Oh man, "you get what you pay for" is SO true here. I had the EXACT same thing happen with a cheap gun on my exhaust manifold, it was reading all over the place. I felt like a total fool. I ended up getting a Klein Tools one that was around a hundred bucks and it's a night and day difference, it actually works on shiny stuff. Those bargain bin sensors just lie to your face.
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Yeah, that shiny metal will mess with the cheap ones every time. @amy_adams13 is totally right about the Klein Tools option, that's a solid step up without going full pro-shop price. The key is looking for a higher distance-to-spot ratio, even on a mid-range gun. It makes a huge difference on small, reflective parts like turbo housings. I learned to put a piece of black electrical tape on the spot I want to read if I'm in a pinch, it gives the sensor something to actually read. Saves you from tearing into something for no reason.
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