I bought an infrared thermometer to dial in the fuel air misture on my son's remote control race car. I kept leaning out the mixture for more power all the while periodically checking the head temp. with the thermometer. The tuning manual outlines a not to exceed temp. I wondered if the thermometer has any application to trouble shooting my Volvo 240. I had the transfer fuel pump fuse getting hot and black on one end. I cleaned contacts with electrical contact cleaner which appears to have remedied my problem, no fuel pump interuption lately; Here is my question, does anyone with one of these thermometers get 110 degrees on the No 6 fuse like I do? I am curious if this is still too to hot, suggesting increased resistence somewhere. I do get 7 amps with my DC amp meter which Bentley indicates is OK.

Hello Jay,

Do the other fuses show heat?

Try cutting a fuse in half and use it to test each side of the fuse socket for
a loose lug.
Maybe there's a loose lug and it's a resistive contact making heat.
The lugs can be released with a narrow skinny screwdriver type tool
(I ground down a ten speed bike spoke) you slide down the back of the lug to
release the lock tab, then if its loose you can fix it with pliers.
Watch out for loose crimps also- if in doubt solder it.
then carefully pry out the latch tab and back in.
(I'd still like a source for new crimp lugs with the lock tab, They are
a cause of plenty of gremlins methinks)

How does your IR thermometer rate with the stuff at Harbor freight?

Bill
(usually on 700 forum)

The IR thermometer can give you an idea of the health of the converter by checking the temp at the front and rear ends of the converter. Get some baseline readings on your car(s) to compare to later.

Regards,

Tatra Mike
San Diego, California

1985 244 "Alfsen" (the first - the flagship)
1984 245 "Buster" (with the relatives in Seattle}
1985 245 "Cosmo" (enjoying retirement in the side yard)
1985 245 "Daisy" (back seat down, full of tools, the work truck)
1985 245 "Earl (hoozah, another stick shift!)

"I wondered if the thermometer has any application to trouble shooting my Volvo 240."

Jay;

If you search the Brickboard for "Ken Raytek" you'll get a few hits I think you'll find useful. Like this one:
http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=922103

Erling.
--
My 240 Page

I have used an IR thermometer repeatedly to check for dragging brake pads on rotors (possibly stuck piston)and validating or dismissing bad temperature gauge readings. I use an IR thermometer at work on a regular basis to identify failed/failing integrated circuits after extreme stress testing.

jorrell

--
92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

Have you used that IR thermometer to check other discrete components?
Do you have a baseline temp for an IC running in a circuit?
you must be able to spot one thats open and completely dead.
and maybe one that's running too hot and ready to die?

What happens if you look at the connectors and relays in your car?
maybe there's some early warnings by components before they die?

Bill

Hi Jorrell,


"validating or dismissing bad temperature gauge readings"

Where do you aim the infrared therm. when you check the engine temp?

What should the temp be if the temp gauge on the car is at 9 o'clock?

Does the temp gauge on the dash measure temperature of the coolant (I realize that this is probably a stupid question)?

thanx,
Kreg

I typically check the upper and lower radiator hoses. The temp gauge should read at 9'O-clock when the coolant is in the mid 80C to 100C range based on your thermostat. Yes, the temp gauge reads the coolant temp in the cylinder head, so it is typically higher than the rad hoses. NOTE: IR thermometers are most accurate when measuring flat black colored surfaces, so the hoses are perfect as a target.

jorrell
ps. I'm sure someone else can provide the actual thermostat temp ranges... just don't have the manual handy right now. That being said, with the comp board being bypassed on our 92, the temp gauge reads 9 O'clock in most circumstances, on 100F days in traffic, 3/4 gauge is not out of the question in traffic.

--
92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

I use my tem. to see how hot the tranny is. This allows me to read the dip stick. I aim it at the pan from underneath.

I heard that you can also see if one set of bearings are hotter than the other. this can show that a set of bearings are going bad.

Same with a cyc. head.