"Engine" Temperature Measurement.

[mockingbird812]

Thanks Mike, just what I was looking for. You are right, I want to make sure the gauge is reading close. So would it also be beneficial to hold the IR thermometer at 6" or less from the black electrical tape on the top of the thermostat housing? Also, are the radiator hoses (upper and lower) a good point to measure coolant temperature given their emissivity?

Your information is very beneficial as engine temps are critical to good reliable/non damaging operation. I will be giving a tutorial (with appropriate credit given) to all my friends that use these IR Thermometers as I think they have been mis-using theirs as I have.