CHT Temperature Kits
Cylinder head temperature (CHT)
A cylinder head temperature (CHT) gauge measures the temperature of an engines cylinder head, and is often used on air-cooled engines. It can be an important tool for monitoring the health of an engine and ensuring it's running at a safe temperature.
A CHT gauge measures the heat energy lost during the power stroke, when the cylinder is under the most stress. A sensor, usually attached to a ring terminal under the spark plug, measures the temperature of the cylinder head. The gauge then interprets the electrical signal from the sensor and displays the temperature.
CHT gauges are especially useful for air-cooled engines, which don't have coolant inside the engine. They can provide a faster response to changes in temperature than oil temperature gauges
What to look out for
High CHTs can indicate that the engine is under too much stress. It's important to limit the CHT to the manufacturer's recommended temperature range. For example, Mainline recommends keeping CHTs below 400°F. If the engine overheats, it can cause the cylinder head to warp or crack, which can lead to expensive repairs or even engine failure.
