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temps using ir temp gauge [message #128494] Fri, 03 June 2011 15:06 Go to next message
chasingsummer is currently offline  chasingsummer   United States
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
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Senior Member
what temps are people seeing, i just looked at my van brake rotor after i got home. vechicle is used from stop to stop all day long, usually 3 to 5 stops and maybe average 125 miles or so a day. this rotor using my new toy read 150 degrees. which makes me wonder what normal should be, reference to tires, rotors or hubs, radiator and maybe valve cover. i plan on checking on my up coming trip, but without having idea of what normal is then???
ps, this site is great, i used to think the harley people helped each other out, but they have no idea what true help is. thanks to all and there 2 cents worth, all is appreciated
bgk


brian asheboro, nc 75 eleganza, 74 build 119k miles and counting, DOG HOUSE
Re: [GMCnet] temps using ir temp gauge [message #128496 is a reply to message #128494] Fri, 03 June 2011 15:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
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Senior Member
At the Cascaders rally at Mayfield lake, I checked 3 coaches as they were
arriving, weather was cool & wet, nothing I saw over 110 Degrees on the
fronts and rears. Most were cooler than that. HF laser gun type. Always used
to use my fingers until we were checking Ricks coach at GMCWS in Auburn Ca.
during check rides for the reaction arm. The Alcoas were hot enough to burn
your fingers all around the coach. They were panic stopping with various
drivers to demo. That reaction arm is the best thing since sliced bread. It
just works.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC Royale 403

On Fri, Jun 3, 2011 at 1:06 PM, brian <chasingsummer@triad.rr.com> wrote:

>
>
> what temps are people seeing, i just looked at my van brake rotor after i
> got home. vechicle is used from stop to stop all day long, usually 3 to 5
> stops and maybe average 125 miles or so a day. this rotor using my new toy
> read 150 degrees. which makes me wonder what normal should be, reference to
> tires, rotors or hubs, radiator and maybe valve cover. i plan on checking on
> my up coming trip, but without having idea of what normal is then???
> ps, this site is great, i used to think the harley people helped each other
> out, but they have no idea what true help is. thanks to all and there 2
> cents worth, all is appreciated
> bgk
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Re: [GMCnet] temps using ir temp gauge [message #128498 is a reply to message #128496] Fri, 03 June 2011 15:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
chasingsummer is currently offline  chasingsummer   United States
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
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Senior Member
i assume wet weather lowered temps a little, i do appreiate input and i look forward to other responces, i assume if it is 90 out and sunny, then tires should reach 110 , but that is assuming, i also assume if water temp is 200 or so, then radiator should be that also. with the prices of these gauges, which mine is a ryobe from home depot, around 25 dollars, that more people should have them. a lot of tempts can be checked while gas pump is running

brian asheboro, nc 75 eleganza, 74 build 119k miles and counting, DOG HOUSE
Re: temps using ir temp gauge [message #128502 is a reply to message #128494] Fri, 03 June 2011 16:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
willietrucker is currently offline  willietrucker   United States
Messages: 83
Registered: April 2010
Location: Central Texas
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Member
The front bearings on my 23' "Used to be a Birchaven", are monitored by bearing temperature monitors from Mikamar. Just to keep 'em honest, I check the bearings with an IR as well.

On the last trip to Patterson, LA from Central Texas, the monitors did not read over 112 degrees F. I verified this with the IR just to confirm. The weather at the time was hot (low 90's).

The IR readings on the rear drums all were within a couple of degrees of each other but I don't recall what the temps were.


Tom Henderson Elgin, TX '76 Birchaven 23' GMC..."Gimme More Cash"
Re: [GMCnet] temps using ir temp gauge [message #128506 is a reply to message #128502] Fri, 03 June 2011 16:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
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Registered: May 2010
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Senior Member
Most of the wheel bearing greases (soap base dino type) have a temp range up
to 450 or so. The synthetics have a somewhat higher temp range. Cause for
concern temps on the hubs is probably over 200 Degrees, in my personal
experience. When I first got my 78 Royale, the driver side front brakes had
completely worn the friction lining away, and were metal to metal with the
rotor. The heat that had been present, welded the metal backiing to the
caliper piston. Had to use an air chisel to break the welds. Ruined the
caliper, flex brake hose, front wheel bearings, knuckle and hub were heat
cracked, drive shaft was discolored, rotor was ruined. Pass side wasn't far
behind. About $2000.00 later I had good front brakes. Previous owner said
"Brakes are good" hate to see his bad. Might be an excellent idea to check
those hub temps every time you stop. You can get one of those laser IR heat
guns from HF on sale for $30.00 or so. What saved my butt was the fact the
front flex lines had melted internally, and no brake fluid was getting
through to the caliper. All the fluid in them had boiled away. Back brakes
only are not very effective, but will get you home if you drive like you
have no brakes.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Roayle 403

On Fri, Jun 3, 2011 at 2:19 PM, Tom Henderson <willietrucker@gmail.com>wrote:

>
>
> The front bearings on my 23' "Used to be a Birchaven", are monitored by
> bearing temperature monitors from Mikamar. Just to keep 'em honest, I check
> the bearings with an IR as well.
>
> On the last trip to Patterson, LA from Central Texas, the monitors did not
> read over 112 degrees F. I verified this with the IR just to confirm. The
> weather at the time was hot (low 90's).
>
> The IR readings on the rear drums all were within a couple of degrees of
> each other but I don't recall what the temps were.
> --
> Tom Henderson
> Elgin, TX
> '76 Birchaven 23'
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Re: [GMCnet] temps using ir temp gauge [message #128524 is a reply to message #128506] Fri, 03 June 2011 19:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
I've a John Fluke  I use at work - Model 62 I think.  At any rate the lowest cost Fluke, I saw one on ebay for $36.  Under a hundred new with warranty, etc.  Point n click, even has a laser dot to show you what it's measuring.
 
'If it works, it's a Fluke'
 
--johnny


--- On Fri, 6/3/11, James Hupy <jamesh1296@gmail.com> wrote:


From: James Hupy <jamesh1296@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] temps using ir temp gauge
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Friday, June 3, 2011, 9:55 PM


Most of the wheel bearing greases (soap base dino type) have a temp range up
to 450 or so. The synthetics have a somewhat higher temp range. Cause for
concern temps on the hubs is probably over 200 Degrees, in my personal
experience. When I first got my 78 Royale, the driver side front brakes had
completely worn the friction lining away, and were metal to metal with the
rotor. The heat that had been present, welded the metal backiing to the
caliper piston. Had to use an air chisel to break the welds. Ruined the
caliper, flex brake hose, front wheel bearings, knuckle and hub were heat
cracked, drive shaft was discolored, rotor was ruined. Pass side wasn't far
behind. About $2000.00 later I had good front brakes. Previous owner said
"Brakes are good" hate to see his bad. Might be an excellent idea to check
those hub temps every time you stop. You can get one of those laser IR heat
guns from HF on sale for $30.00 or so. What saved my butt was the fact the
front flex lines had melted internally, and no brake fluid was getting
through to the caliper. All the fluid in them had boiled away. Back brakes
only are not very effective, but will get you home if you drive like you
have no brakes.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Roayle 403

On Fri, Jun 3, 2011 at 2:19 PM, Tom Henderson <willietrucker@gmail.com>wrote:

>
>
> The front bearings on my 23' "Used to be a Birchaven", are monitored by
> bearing temperature monitors from Mikamar. Just to keep 'em honest, I check
> the bearings with an IR as well.
>
> On the last trip to Patterson, LA from Central Texas, the monitors did not
> read over 112 degrees F. I verified this with the IR just to confirm. The
> weather at the time was hot (low 90's).
>
> The IR readings on the rear drums all were within a couple of degrees of
> each other but I don't recall what the temps were.
> --
> Tom Henderson
> Elgin, TX
> '76 Birchaven 23'
>  _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: temps using ir temp gauge [message #128533 is a reply to message #128494] Fri, 03 June 2011 20:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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Senior Member
chasingsummer wrote on Fri, 03 June 2011 13:06

what temps are people seeing, i just looked at my van brake rotor after i got home. vechicle is used from stop to stop all day long, usually 3 to 5 stops and maybe average 125 miles or so a day. this rotor using my new toy read 150 degrees. which makes me wonder ...


Brakes do get VERY hot... they are designed to! But they are also designed to dissipate the heat rather quickly... if allowed to. If you are checking how well your brakes are working, you'll need to brake very hard to a stop... Then jump out quickly to "shoot the brakes." If my brakes seem to be working normally, I do not routinely check if the brakes operate and generate "lots" of heat.

What I DO routinely check is the hub and tire temperatures and if the brakes are DRAGGING. Hard braking just before these checks might mask one of these issues.

When pulling into a rest stop I try to come in slow and slow down slowly, with as little use of the brakes as possible. Safely park and get out and shoot the temps... before doing anything else. All you are looking for is EVEN temperatures... not a specific number. (But you'll get so you'll notice higher than normal readings... )

Anything unusual should be investigated and/or explained. Like the sunny side will be slightly warmer than the tires that have been running in the shade.


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: [GMCnet] temps using ir temp gauge [message #128571 is a reply to message #128533] Sat, 04 June 2011 01:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Douglas Norton is currently offline  Douglas Norton   United States
Messages: 191
Registered: April 2008
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Breaks locked on on my toad last year.  It melted the plastic hubcaps and toasted the breaks calipers and rotors.  After repairs and assurances that the bearings were ok, I used ir to check on the hub temps.  They gradually increased and went to over 185 degrees (breaks never engaged).  All that heat was from bearings that were ruined.  The total was near $2,000 but the ir testing was invaluable to get me to go to the nearest repair shop.  Driving the car was a growling experience.

The use of an IR devise is great too for lots of other purposes.  I use it to check for roof temps to see where insulation may be in need of replacement.
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Re: temps using ir temp gauge [message #128573 is a reply to message #128533] Sat, 04 June 2011 01:29 Go to previous message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
Just last Thursday I had a caliper sticking on my Colorado. When they stick they get really hot. You could not stand to hold your hand closer that about 8 inches away from the wheel. Look for temperature differences. A dragging brake will show up as a considerable difference.

It was 90 degrees out and I did not want to fix this on the road. I beat on the caliper with a hammer to loosen it up and drove back to my hanger on the back roads at 15 mph checking the front rotor and wheel every 3 or 4 miles for heat. I also used the parking brake to stop at stop signs. The problem was a bad caliper seal that allowed water to get in and rust the caliper and piston.

Bad bearings are a different story with less heat generated but they will still show up as a difference between wheels.

Side note of bearing grease. DO NOT USE Mobil ONE. I made that mistake once when I repacked all 4 rear wheels. Blaine noticed it as oil stain dripping out of the rear wheels. In ALL 4 of them the grease turned to oil and ran out of the bearings. I was lucky Blaine caught it and we repacked all 8 bearings with Valvoline Synn Power grease.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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