EGT Pyrometer

[RavensRoost]

At weekend place (off grid), neighbor has a new-to-him propane-fueled 15KW generator that he thinks is using more fuel than it should. As we are at ~ 4250 ft ASL, it may be running rich. The manual says to set the mixture control for a specific Exhaust Gas Temperature under load (EGT, I do not know the temp, it is his manual and he could not remember temp, hope he can find manual when it comes time!).

When I google EGT and/or exhaust pyrometers I see several units e.g. Autometer, S-W, BullyDog etc. for dash or pillar mounting for about $150. Is there a portable unit that would be cheaper? Or at least one that would be suitable as an Digital Multi-Meter (DMM) accessory or adjunct?

He is on a fixed income. If it were for me, I would buy and mount the in-dash unit on the genny. As it is for him, I could justify purchasing a piece of "test equipment" for myself that could be used for his needs and various other uses for me over time.

Also, I am assuming the infrared thermometers or pyrometers would not really give an accurate reading of EGT, but I might be wrong. Input solicited.

RavensRoost

 

[brandoro]

I think a hand held temperature gun aimed at the end of the manifold connected to the exhaust pipe would give you a pretty close idea. If you take a reading every couple of minutes you will see the temperature stabilize, that should be what you need within very few degrees.
Just my opinion, free advice is worth every cent

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have to agree, get the hand held one from HF or some other source and it will get you very close.

Chris

 

[RavensRoost]

Thanks, have wanted an infrared thermometer for myself anyway. May end up with one either way!

Anyone have experience with checking EGT uisng a hand-held IR "gun"? Do you shoot at end of exhaust manifold where it empties into pipe/stack as Brandoro suggested -- sounds OK to me -- or do you shoot up the end of the pipe? I am guessing at manifold/stack junction, but may need to wait a few minutes after each adjustment for changes in temp, also as Brandoro suggested. How accurate of a reading can one get using this method?

RavensRoost

 

[E/S]

"Anyone have experience with checking EGT uisng a hand-held IR "gun"? Do you shoot at end of exhaust manifold where it empties into pipe/stack as Brandoro suggested -- sounds OK to me -- or do you shoot up the end of the pipe? I am guessing at manifold/stack junction, but may need to wait a few minutes after each adjustment for changes in temp, also as Brandoro suggested. How accurate of a reading can one get using this method?"

We shoot our dozen gen sets at work with Fluke IF guns on the exhoust pipe within a inch or two of the exhoust manifold. This works very well and is very accurate.

E/S

 

[Mace Canute]

Just a little reminder...the temperature range on infrared non contact thermometers varies greatly! Some go to just a few hundred degrees F and some go to a few thousand! If you want to shoot exhaust temperatures, you will probably want to have one that goes up to 2000F.
IR thermometers have so many uses! I love mine!

 

[RickB]

Just a little reminder...the temperature range on infrared non contact thermometers varies greatly! Some go to just a few hundred degrees F and some go to a few thousand! If you want to shoot exhaust temperatures, you will probably want to have one that goes up to 2000F.
IR thermometers have so many uses! I love mine!

Absurd. 1000 deg F is more than enough.

 

[RavensRoost]

"Anyone have experience with checking EGT uisng a hand-held IR "gun"? Do you shoot at end of exhaust manifold where it empties into pipe/stack as Brandoro suggested -- sounds OK to me -- or do you shoot up the end of the pipe? I am guessing at manifold/stack junction, but may need to wait a few minutes after each adjustment for changes in temp, also as Brandoro suggested. How accurate of a reading can one get using this method?"

We shoot our dozen gen sets at work with Fluke IF guns on the exhoust pipe within a inch or two of the exhoust manifold. This works very well and is very accurate.

E/S

Thanks E/S! Decided on Extech #42511 "Dual laser" unit, ordered and on the way. This unit reads up to 1100 F. I know my non-turbo diesel genny EGT is ~ 800 F and turbo diesels are < 1200 F, but do not know what EGT a propane fueled engine runs. Guess I wil find out....

RavensRoost

 

[KennedyDiesel]

Surface temp of the manifold will vary quite widely from actual EGT.

Some Fluke meters accept plug in from a K type thermocouple. This would save a bunch of the cost if you know someone with one of those.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Absurd. 1000 deg F is more than enough.

Not true. Measure the exhaust temps of a turbo diesel like a Powerstroke or a Dmax. They get in the 1200 deg range or more.

Chris