i was wondering if its ok to use a regular tempuratre gun used in hvac or should i get a temp gun from a rc company. i belive me temp gun i have now is 3inch surface area per foot.

thanks 4 the help
derek

Well Im a mechanic and use a snap on temp gun. So yes that would work

Get the HVAC or automotive grade temp gun. The laser pointer is indispensible since you can aim directly on the hottest part of the plug. The chinese hobby grade ones at the hobby stores are terrible; they miss the plug all the time and often result in an improper read.

Yup, I use a duratrax one and have to keep moving it around untill I get the highest reading. It looks like I'm pointing it at the side of the cooling head 1/4 the way up when it is actually reading the plug temp. Don't waste your $ if you have a good one already.

I use a raytek mt4.

Just make sure if you don't use the laser to aim for the plug. Place the temp gun right on the head and move it around till you find the hottest temp. If I hold mine 2-3 inches off the head and use the laser the temp will read 220 but if I put the temp gun right on the head it reads 260.

I see people use the laser and be like "wow my engine is only running 180" when its really probably 240 or more. That's just what I've found out on mine.

I use my dads $250 temp gun and compared it to my $20 one, they were maybe 2-3F off. BUT with the $250 one it is for a higher range of temperature and distance. So there is no reason why you can't.

I use a Mastercool infrared w/ a laser that I got off eBay for about 40 bucks.

Comes in very handy, not just for taking engine temps.