[Rusho]

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone uses a low level coolant indicator/alarm. I don't want a repeat performance of blown heater hose turning into blown head gasket. I have beenlooking at the following

www.enginesaver.com.au

About $190 for an inline version into the radiator hose.

It's kinda hard for a temperature gauge to register with no water in the cooling system

Thanks

Rusho

[eldo]

i reckon they are great idea, however a little expensive

[shep]

Rusho81 wrote:

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone uses a low level coolant indicator/alarm. I don't want a repeat performance of blown heater hose turning into blown head gasket. I have beenlooking at the following

www.enginesaver.com.au

About $190 for an inline version into the radiator hose.

It's kinda hard for a temperature gauge to register with no water in the cooling system

Thanks

Rusho

that is how you know that you have an issue.

[royce]

seen a type somewhere that measure actual cylinder head temp that cheaper than that

[Rusho]

i suppose you don't remember where royce???

[hutch]

I use one in my diesel patrol... a VDO one. I would never have a diesel motor without fitting one. It came on once and scared the sh** outa me. Pulled over, shut the motor down, popped the bonnet to investigate, and thankfully it was only the wire on the sensor had fallen off. Well worth the money IMHO.

[Rusho]

I realise that shep, just want more of an early detection thing, all the water went in a blink of an eye, the temp gauge didn't even move from it's normal position

[daaskapital]

Totally recommend them.

I use a similar device which has saved two engines now - had a diahatsu applause that blew a hose when driving & also a 4 runner that had a split hose losing all the coolant over night - jumped in the car to go to work the next day & when turned the ignition the alarm went off - immediately checked radiator to find no water. Would have totally cooked her forsure without the alarm.

The one i`ve used is actually soldered into the top of the radiator by natrad radiator specialist with a dash mounted sensor & alarm.

$190 is far cheaper than a rebuild IMO.

[Damo]

royce wrote:

seen a type somewhere that measure actual cylinder head temp that cheaper than that

Agreed, but the buzzer and/or light would be a handy addition.

Anyone with some electronics knowledge should be able to put together something like this too.

[Hybrid]

I wonder if Jaycar has got a kit.

[royce]

jaycar do a low coolant kit, which is all this is, IMHO much better to have a system that says HEY NUMNUTS YOU HEAD IS TOO DAMN HOT

you can still have coolant and it overheats withough relising

[weaves]

I remember reading a write up in 4wd monthly, they put one in a red jimny and did it all with parts from jaycar/dicksmith and the cost was way less than $190.

one thing they said to do was to mount it low enough that you don't set it off every time you go on a angle as it could become annoying.

i think i read it at the hospital so don't think i even have the issue, but if come across it i'll post up the details behind it. or someone else may have it kicking around at home.

weaves

[Rusho]

Sorted. $104 + $15 from the radiator shop to make a braise up a copper pipe for the sensor and flare the ends to inline the sensor in the top hose.

http://www.ashdowningram.com.au/CA2571B ... %9Dtarget=

Will post pics after install

[daaskapital]

Rusho81 wrote:

Sorted. $104 + $15 from the radiator shop to make a braise up a copper pipe for the sensor and flare the ends to inline the sensor in the top hose.

http://www.ashdowningram.com.au/CA2571B ... %9Dtarget=

Will post pics after install

Thats kit is the one i`ve been using too mate - cheap insurance

[TheOtherLeft]

Very much a gravedig, but what would be more useful, a low coolant alarm (engine saver) or a temp alarm, either mounted on the block or thermostat?

[royce]

low coolant might not overheat, full coolant can still overheat, I would (and have) pick head temp any day

[Rusho]

Doesn't the head need to be tapped for a particular fitting??

[royce]

Rusho wrote:

Doesn't the head need to be tapped for a particular fitting??

I have one on the mini that is a thermocouple washer that goes under a head bolt

[TheOtherLeft]

I've also read that mounting the sensor on the thermostat is a good position.

Which would be more accurate - thermostat or engine block? If the engine block is there any position in particular - front, rear of block?

[royce]

on the head, its more sensitive to damage from heat, back might be less swayed by air cooling it but tis something you probabyl have to monitor for a while to get a feel for whats normal and whats not