Multimeter temp leads

wayneL · Apr 6, 2016

I have a multimeter that has leads about a meter for measuring temperature.
My question is do you think twisting a six or eight foot piece of wire to the end would throw off reading very much if I stuck the end inside radiator to monitor temp gauge. Have a new to me van and do not trust temp gauge
Thanks all

blars · Apr 6, 2016

Extending the leads from the temp probe will probably be fine, but twisting does not sound like a reliable connection. Try it and see.

ccbreder · Apr 6, 2016

run the engine to hot, then check with multi-meter. no need to drive or to see both at the same time. open the cap while engine is cold, then run to hot. many scalding from opening hot radiator.

SternWake · Apr 6, 2016

K type thermocouples are inexpensive.

I've got many. One of them is adhered to my alternator casing with thermal Epoxy.

http://www.amazon.com/Meters-9-8ft-..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=0T3ZNF0EWRE63VA1BT5C

I want to get one of these to display and record 4 different temp probes:

http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Prime..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=05JXBCQXSVMM7CF3BNTS

I once used some Black gaffers tape to hold the thermocouple on the exterior of top tank(inlet) of my aluminum radiator, as like you I did not trust the gauge readings, with a small blob of grease to better transmit heat. It read very close to the actual coolant temp, close enough anyway.

But the tape had to be black. if it was white, it read too low. A black sharpie fixed that.