Going to purchase a laser infrared thermometer. Not looking to spend a fortune just one that works well. Also, what will be the highest temp I will be reading on the Man engines.
On non common rail MAN's, I think the highest temp you would want to know would be EGT, which would be(should be) under 1000 degrees. I have a little tiny Cen-tech one that works really well, and is the size of a match box, but only reads to about 300 degrees. If you get the gun style, spend the extra $10 that points a laser beam/dot at what you're temping as it makes it a lot easier to verify what you're actually pulling your temp off of. I think MAC tools makes a really nice one. But some of the cheap ones work really well and some are off as much as 20%.
DeWalt does one that seems not too expensive. Is this what you were looking for? DeWalt DCT414S1 Infrared Thermometer Kit
get one that reads up to 1000, some of them only read up to 400, I think you can get a cheap one for around $30-40. I got mine at Sears and it was about $70 for the one that reads up to 1000. my turbos and the mainifolds are the hottest parts in the ER. I Take readings on the engines, gears, and generator at different spots during every ER Ck. It will can give you an early warning sign that something isnt right before you have an expensive repair. It has become one of my most valuable and most used tools, i use it on everything from the ER, to the HVAC, to even the electrical pannel and shore cords.
This one is under $25 on amazon. They all use the same chip sets. Reviews are solid and this one goes to 780 degrees. Now what would be fun... Take 4 or 5 of units and mount on board. One on port and starboard of engine room. Fig way to point and set them to heat exchange, exhaust manifold, turbo, etc... Bring that data up to the bridge via ipad. If you mass produced this you could have a solution for a couple hundred dollars, including the wi fi transmitter. No wires, you do t touch the engines, install in 30 min. Biggest concern would be lasers jumping around, sure it can be solved. Also would be nice to correlate temp with Rpm. I think some photo eye sensors might work. I simple data log showing what each location has been reading. Simple alarm limits...and then geek out with online site that allows you to download avg temps by engine model. Ok of to work to make money to buy a bigger boat with bigger engines that require me to work more? http://www.allcoastsportfishing.com/forum/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=312&topic_id=174218&mesg_id=174224#174224