Engine temperature: what normal cyclinder head temperature

[Smac]

Wondering what normal cyclinder head temperature is for a panhead.

According to my non-contact thermometer, my '63 runs just under 300 on 50-70 degree days after a good hard run...

Thanks,
Smac

[mbskeam]

hello
sounds a little hot
this is what I got last summer Cool tool: 25 deg. temp diff in heads

mbskeam

this was done before the STD heads

[chucklbones]

hello
ran my pan on beach from s daytona to flagler 10 mph temp in oil bag 180
most of the time i can hold my hands on top of pans and they are cool enough i can hold them as long as i want to they are not that hot
chuck l bones

[Cotten]

Smac!

Where are you aiming the thermometer? The front exhaust port?

Is the motor idling moderately with a fan on it from the front?

Is this one of the $50 HarborFreight guns? I'm considering one.

[mbskeam]

hello,
I think snap on sells the one I got to use for about 100.00.
says it was +/- 2 deg.
mbskeam

[bieb]

For a good infrared thermometer I use a Fluke 61. They are about $100.00 (Grainger). In my experience as a service engineer in the HVAC field I rely on my test instruments, most are Fluke brand. Don't buy those $50 cheap ones, they don't last.

[Red55FL]

I have both the $100 Snap-On that mbskeam refers to and a Fluke (don't remember the #). Both have served me well. Years ago a bought one from Harbor freight and it didn't last till the water got hot. Save you money and get a good one.

Red