engine running temp.

[55mike]

CN is spot on. I'll add, not only install a 180 T-stat, but, it's been my experience to use the Stant "SuperStat" The SuperStat is a better version of their regular T-stat. It has a small bipass built in to allow some coolant to flow when still closed, and it's very accurate.

Just for fun, I'll shoot the temp with a cheap IR gun at different areas of the engine. You'll be surprised that the heat will differ greatly depending on where it's measured.

[chevynut]

Just for fun, I'll shoot the temp with a cheap IR gun at different areas of the engine. You'll be surprised that the heat will differ greatly depending on where it's measured.

The accuracy of those infrared gun readings depend on the emissivity of the surface being measured. A black surface will measure significantly differently than a silver or white surface that's at the same temperature. They're really not that accurate as far as absolute temperature unless you know and can set the emissivity of the surface, but can show differences on the same surface.

[55mike]

The accuracy of those infrared gun readings depend on the emissivity of the surface being measured. A black surface will measure significantly differently than a silver or white surface that's at the same temperature. They're really not that accurate as far as absolute temperature unless you know and can set the emissivity of the surface, but can show differences on the same surface.

I had to google "emissivity" (chuckle..) ... and yes, I found black surfaces and different metals to have different readings. Interestingly, my t-stat housing seemed to match closely the temp I figured it should be, based on the 180 t-stat.