Taking a Temperature

[grady]

I have my doubts about the accuracy of my 280i's temperature sender/gauge. The nose radiator was re-cored about 5 years ago and the fans are working - in fact they are bypassed "on" all the time while waiting for a replacement switch. Once warmed up, the temp stays between 90 and 97, but never into the red.

1) Would using an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature off the radiator or one of the section of metal tube between the radiator hoses give a reasonably accurate reading?

2) Does anyone have a current part number for the temperature sender. There is a Ford part number listed in a prior post but it isn't a valid (US) number.

Thanks Grady

[jeff m]

Grady,
Can't help you with a US temp sender #
Assume you checked out 74 Merc Capri and 84 Ranger.
What about the VDO guage sites, quote the guage they know the sender. They are all 1/8 NPT or 1/4 NPT threads.
I've been using an infra red thermommeter with mine.
Mines a Raydot, it has a very wide angle of measurement so if you are not quite close you can get some readings that are misleading. I found about six inches was close enough.
I have had trouble with the aftermarket thermostats, they are slow to turn on and off. The combination of the on and off temp spread and the slowness of the capilliary tube meant that it stayed on for a long time after the car was turned off. (and it's only April)
So with August in mind and a black glass car, I decided to just use an extra relay and kill it with the ignition.
Jeff