Infrared Thermometers

[allirroz]

Been looking to buy a Infrared"non contact" thermometer for my next transmission fluid change. Any experience or suggestions
of a good brand to purchase? I have seen brandnames of Raytek, Craftsman, Mastercool out there. But unable to decide which to go for, so I figure I pose this question to you guys for help..... TIA

[Espresso]

Is there a reason you are concerned about the fluid temps?
I HIGHLY recommend using a temp probe, as they are the most accurate.
An external fluid cooler & fan work wonders. But if it cools the fluid too much you will hurt it more than help it.

A non-contact is a PITA to use for something like what you are looking to do. Like I said, a probe with the gauge is the best way to go. If you are worried about adding gauges to your car & it messing up the stock look. You can put the gauge in the ashtray. That way, when you dont want to look at it, you can just flip it closed.

[jnenad16]

I used to have a magnetic stick-on thermometer on my 740i, it worked pretty good. I got it as a sample at SEMA a few years ago.

nenad

[irieite]

Originally posted by allirroz
Been looking to buy a Infrared"non contact" thermometer for my next transmission fluid change. Any experience or suggestions
of a good brand to purchase? I have seen brandnames of Raytek, Craftsman, Mastercool out there. But unable to decide which to go for, so I figure I pose this question to you guys for help..... TIA

I have the Craftsman one. It worked well enough during my last trans fluid and filter change. Just aimed it at the pan after a few miles of driving, it read ~80 degrees Celsius and I adjusted the fluid level until it was between the marks. No problems.

[allirroz]

Originally posted by irieite
I have the Craftsman one. It worked well enough during my last trans fluid and filter change. Just aimed it at the pan after a few miles of driving, it read ~80 degrees Celsius and I adjusted the fluid level until it was between the marks. No problems.

Aha, so is the proper way to measure the temp is aimimg towards the pan and not thru the dipstick holder?

[irieite]

Originally posted by allirroz
Aha, so is the proper way to measure the temp is aimimg towards the pan and not thru the dipstick holder?

Yep! :cool:

[allirroz]

Thanks irieite.

[allirroz]

Originally posted by jnenad16
I used to have a magnetic stick-on thermometer on my 740i, it worked pretty good. I got it as a sample at SEMA a few years ago.

nenad


This sounds like a good alternative. Any recommendations on which to buy or should any magnetic temp gauge be sufficient.
I would be curious to know also the accuracy rate between the infrared vs the magnetic type. I've read and have found that the accucary rate on an infrared could be anywhere between 0 to 2 percent. Would be nice to get a super accurate one.

[irieite]

Originally posted by allirroz
Thanks irieite.

NP

[jnenad16]

Originally posted by allirroz
This sounds like a good alternative. Any recommendations on which to buy or should any magnetic temp gauge be sufficient.
I would be curious to know also the accuracy rate between the infrared vs the magnetic type. I've read and have found that the accucary rate on an infrared could be anywhere between 0 to 2 percent. Would be nice to get a super accurate one.
I compared its readings with my fluke and my worker's snap-on thermometers and it was only 1-2 degrees off. to me thats pretty accurate.

nenad