Quote:

I spent many years as a Pow.Eng. and in that capacity measured temps of all kinds of fluids. Under most condition the temperature probe was in the fluid--of course. But there is a temperature relationship between the gases and the air adjacent to the fluid that remains somwhat constant. Once this relationship-or ratio- is established your have your answer. Stick a thermometer into the oil just after a good run- then quickly reinstall your temp gauge. If you find the gauge is 5 degrees lower than the oil itself, than will be a resonable constant you can rely on. Of course we would all agree that an immersion temp. gauge is the ideal.
Blue



All so true, but to quote from the manufacturer's instruction sheet, "The indicated temperature can deviate up to 40 degrees C (that's a whopping 104 degrees F!!!!) by measuring rods that do not reach the oil. Well, hello, there is no ****** measuring rod, and the manufacturer should ****** well know that nothing is going to reach the oil.

One need not go through the gymnastics you allude to when you buy a "precision" (read - not cheap) gauge. Perhaps people are satisfied with the looks - sort of like the fake air cleaners.

Pedal Till You Puke