Measuring engine temperature, No taco sender or gauge ... Options

[Chaznaster]

Hello all. With the weather getting warmer, I have started thinking about getting a handle on my engine temperature. I looked at quite a few discussions on here and most were about interpreting/ calibrating the stock(ish) gauges.

I have no sender at the taco plate and no gauge.

I happened on the approach to measure with a dipstick thermometer but it appears those are all NLA.

I have a 123 dizzy that transmits temperature but am pretty sure the base of that is far away from the sump and probably not an accurate reading.

A few questions:
* Is the 123 temperature value good for anything? Maybe there is a conversion? Although I expect it will warm slower and cool faster than the sump in the best case.
* What is the most straightforward way (I am OK with some spend and even running wires to the dash) to get a reliable reading? Gauge (VDO or other), thermal camera pointed at the oil pan? Other?

I appreciate your guidance ...

[Jake Raby]

Oil temperature is not engine temperature. It is just oil temperature, and impacted by variables that only impact the oil.

The 123 gives a good indication of crankcase temperature, which is adequate in a water-cooled engine, but not very indicative of anything with our engines, where cylinder head temperatures make or break the engine.

My article on engine temperatures is still somewhere here on 914 World, it gives some good information.

[SavingManuals]

Oil temperature is not engine temperature. It is just oil temperature, and impacted by variables that only impact the oil.

The 123 gives a good indication of crankcase temperature, which is adequate in a water-cooled engine, but not very indicative of anything with our engines, where cylinder head temperatures make or break the engine.

My article on engine temperatures is still somewhere here on 914 World, it gives some good information.

Found this:
"914 Info" page -> Technical Articles -> » Type IV Cylinder Head Temperatures - by Jake Raby

[Lockwodo]

Oil temperature is not engine temperature. It is just oil temperature, and impacted by variables that only impact the oil.

The 123 gives a good indication of crankcase temperature, which is adequate in a water-cooled engine, but not very indicative of anything with our engines, where cylinder head temperatures make or break the engine.

My article on engine temperatures is still somewhere here on 914 World, it gives some good information.

Found this:
"914 Info" page -> Technical Articles -> » Type IV Cylinder Head Temperatures - by Jake Raby

Very good! I just ordered the gauge and spark plug thermocouple.