Having trouble finding heat sticks/crayons/pencils

JerseyJim

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 30, 2003
Messages
162
I am looking high and low here trying to find heat sticks/crayons/pencils to find out if my 200hp merc is overheating or not (alarm comes on, then shuts off, and all seems well) ... I have tried the local NAPA, Thul Auto Parts, and another local parts chain. I have tried various outboard and boat dealers, and no one seems to have heard of these things - the guys at napa looked at me like i had ten heads.<br /><br />ACk!!! I wanted to get some of these before i put the boat in the water today....
 

DUPARD

Cadet
Joined
May 26, 2003
Messages
18
Re: Having trouble finding heat sticks/crayons/pencils

Find someone that is a Conductor on a Railroad in your area. We are required to carry temp stick in our gear to see if the wheel journals on the axle of a rail car is too hot!
 

ob

Admiral
Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
6,992
Re: Having trouble finding heat sticks/crayons/pencils

If all fails call a welding supply house.Don't know if they'll have the heat range you're looking for but they most assuredly will know what you're talking about.
 

Hooty

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
4,496
Re: Having trouble finding heat sticks/crayons/pencils

Go to NAPA and spend about 80 skins and get a non-contact infrared thermometer. It's got a little laser pointer and gives a digital readout of the temp the little dot is on. No outboard mechanic should be without it.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty
 

JerseyJim

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 30, 2003
Messages
162
Re: Having trouble finding heat sticks/crayons/pencils

good idea...thanks hooty...gonna go get one right this instant
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Having trouble finding heat sticks/crayons/pencils

If all else fails, I have two new 125° and 163° sticks, still in their plastic containers. Make me a decent offer.
 

JerseyJim

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 30, 2003
Messages
162
Re: Having trouble finding heat sticks/crayons/pencils

i spent the 90 clams and got myself the infrared thermometer... <br /><br />it served its job - it prove my engine isn't overheating...<br /><br />temp ranges behind the flywheel (while the alarm was going off) was 129deg F, the cylinder heads were 140-145degF, and the telltale water was 129deg F right on the button...<br /><br />i always have it now, so many thanks everyone
 

Hooty

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
4,496
Re: Having trouble finding heat sticks/crayons/pencils

Hey Jim,<br />You can also point it at different cylinders and identify the one(s) firing or not firing. It's a cool tool.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty
 
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