Coolant temp readings

[duaneboggs]

I just installed a mechanical temp gauge. It is reading somewhere in the 210 range at a high idle in my driveway. Fan is coming on like it should. New radiator, coolant, etc...Temp isn't going above that or coming down much when fan engages.

I decided to check with my infrared thermometer and it is showing 155 on the top tank of the radiator, 155 on the upper hose, and 160 on the water pump.

I've got the probe for the temp gauge in the port on the top middle of the water pump. I guess my question is this: Will there be that much of a difference from the actual coolant temp vs. the radiated heat the infrared picks up? Or is my mechanical gauge defective.

Thanks,

Duane

 

[typ4]

I would suspect the gauge, that area should be cooler than the stock location which would read in the 200 range.