Mixture tuning using laser temperature light

[MIGHTY 8]

Hello,

Is it recommended to tune (set the mixture) by pointing the temp gun at each individual exhaust pipe (when equipped with headers?)

[RRoller123]

How would it be done? Target it to be Hot, or Cold? A specific numerical Temperature?

[samakijoe]

I have a couple of these gadgets. They only register up to about 400F deg. There might be one that goes up 1200 F. Given you have one I could see this tool being useful. You might have to start by getting the engine tuned by a "Pro". (expensive but this is only a one time charge) Then take readings after driving the engine at a controlled RPM for a controlled time then take readings at a controlled distance from each tube. Then repeat the whole exercise again at different , RPM, Time, and distance. Do the whole test pattern as many times as you and you crew is willing to do it. As "Click and Klack" would suggest the best way to do the test series would be to remove the hood, convince your brother to get up on the fender and hang on while you do the speed runs and he takes the readings. He (your brother) can record the test results on the out side of the windshield. (Too windy for a clip board) It would be best not to "Magic Markers" here as they have a tendency to dry out in the wind. I would suggest using crayons as they are cheep and he can hold a number of spares in his mouth without getting ink on his lips. Given your brothers is up on the fender, I'm not sure of the law concerning the use of seat belts in this case is required. I would suggest you contact your law enforcement office to get the answer to this issue.

Please report back to us as we are really interested in the out come of this really great opportunity for a new brake through tune up technique.

[grrrdot]

Much easier to just do a plug chop or get a wideband O2 sensor!
That said I did use a laser temp light to figure out that one of the barrels on my IDF setup was plugged up. It was much colder than the others.

-G

[SteinOnkel]

Woefully inaccurate, I've tried on many different engines.

For tuning at idle, order yourself a Gunsen Colortune spark plug. Works great. For balancing, use four vacuum gauges.

For everything else, wideband 02 sensor.

[zachmac]

2nd on the Colortune. Great little gadget. That said, unless you are running multiple carbs and / or individual runner intake there shouldn't be much of a cylinder to cylinder difference.

[MIGHTY 8]

Thanks everyone! Just an idea to see what all these random tools in the toolbox could be used for.

I do have the Colortune, as well. For,those of you that also use it, do,you have four units to use at once or just one at a time. I reckon the answer will be 1, since they’re a little on the expensive side

[SteinOnkel]

Just one that wonders from cylinder to cylinder. As soon as I got it I started tuning the dumbest things. Our lawnmower for example or the neighbor's chainsaw

On my car with ITBs I did this exactly once to make sure there wasn't one that was super rich, another super lean. The rest was done by wideband, vacuum gauges, map sensor etc.

Here it is in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXNoePRZM3I

On a modern engine w/ recessed plug holes it's an absolute dream.

[MykeNytemare]

Which size and/or adaptor for the Gunson is needed for the twin cam engine?