Thermo-melt candles for testing and maintenance. Do we still use them?

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  Thermo-melt candles for testing and maintenance. Do we still use them?

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Author Topic:   Thermo-melt candles for testing and maintenance. Do we still use them?

pcrussell50 posted 05-30-2013 03:46 PM ET (US)
I'm trying to chase down a pesky overheat alarm on one of my Evinrude v4 crossflows. Because it's a high horsepower version, it's a "bubbleback", and that makes it a HUGE, knuckle-bloodying affair to r'n'r the thermostat, so I want to make darned sure it's not a spurious false alarm. The motor is a mid-70's and I have the factory service manual. It says to use Thermomelt Stiks. One for 100 degF and one for 130 degF. If the 100 degF mark does not melt, the engine is too cool. If the 130 degF one does melt, it's too hot.
Anyway, googling appears that these hombres are not as common as they once were, and I have yet to find them in the two temperatures mentioned.
So the question becomes, what do we use in their place in this day and age? I have an infrared gun, but there are cases where it is not the best choice for temperature measurement. I do not know if this is one of those cases or not. There are also temperature strips that people use on their tropical fish tanks that "glow" the indicated temperature. There seem to be some available in the temperature range for this app.
What is the standard way for measuring cylinder head temperatures in the marine repair industry these days?
-Peter
tmann45 posted 05-31-2013 08:53 AM ET (US)
They have been mostly replaced with "thermostrips". Here is one that might suit your needs:
http://www.omega.com/pptst/TL-10.html
Looks like they have the crayon, welders called them temp sticks. Google "temp sticks" for more choices.
seahorse posted 05-31-2013 09:07 AM ET (US)
Thermo-Melt Stix are not a common item anymore but they are still available from Stevens Experimental in Waukegan, IL.
http://stevensinstrument.com/temperature.htm
Today almost everyone uses the infra-red temp guns to determine cylinderhead temps. They are as low as 19.95 on sale at Harbor Freight or other places.
At idle your motor may be in the 130-160° range normally - 145° plus or minus 15°. As the rpms increase the engine should get cooler as the pressure relief valves open to bypass the thermostats.
pcrussell50 posted 05-31-2013 12:28 PM ET (US)
Thanks guys. I already have a nice Craftsman infrared temp gun, and I just ordered some temp strips to cross check against.
-Peter
jimh posted 05-31-2013 11:11 PM ET (US)
That temperature-calibrated melting wax sounds quaint.

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Author	Topic: Thermo-melt candles for testing and maintenance. Do we still use them?
pcrussell50	posted 05-30-2013 03:46 PM ET (US) I'm trying to chase down a pesky overheat alarm on one of my Evinrude v4 crossflows. Because it's a high horsepower version, it's a "bubbleback", and that makes it a HUGE, knuckle-bloodying affair to r'n'r the thermostat, so I want to make darned sure it's not a spurious false alarm. The motor is a mid-70's and I have the factory service manual. It says to use Thermomelt Stiks. One for 100 degF and one for 130 degF. If the 100 degF mark does not melt, the engine is too cool. If the 130 degF one does melt, it's too hot. Anyway, googling appears that these hombres are not as common as they once were, and I have yet to find them in the two temperatures mentioned. So the question becomes, what do we use in their place in this day and age? I have an infrared gun, but there are cases where it is not the best choice for temperature measurement. I do not know if this is one of those cases or not. There are also temperature strips that people use on their tropical fish tanks that "glow" the indicated temperature. There seem to be some available in the temperature range for this app. What is the standard way for measuring cylinder head temperatures in the marine repair industry these days? -Peter
tmann45	posted 05-31-2013 08:53 AM ET (US) They have been mostly replaced with "thermostrips". Here is one that might suit your needs: http://www.omega.com/pptst/TL-10.html Looks like they have the crayon, welders called them temp sticks. Google "temp sticks" for more choices.
seahorse	posted 05-31-2013 09:07 AM ET (US) Thermo-Melt Stix are not a common item anymore but they are still available from Stevens Experimental in Waukegan, IL. http://stevensinstrument.com/temperature.htm Today almost everyone uses the infra-red temp guns to determine cylinderhead temps. They are as low as 19.95 on sale at Harbor Freight or other places. At idle your motor may be in the 130-160° range normally - 145° plus or minus 15°. As the rpms increase the engine should get cooler as the pressure relief valves open to bypass the thermostats.
pcrussell50	posted 05-31-2013 12:28 PM ET (US) Thanks guys. I already have a nice Craftsman infrared temp gun, and I just ordered some temp strips to cross check against. -Peter
jimh	posted 05-31-2013 11:11 PM ET (US) That temperature-calibrated melting wax sounds quaint.