Essential gauges for Tdi ?

I like the float switch over a continuity circuit as there is no chance of introducing stray current into the coolant

You need to drill a hole in your expansion tank but in over 150,ooo km it caused me no grief

S

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by roverrescue

You need to drill a hole in your expansion tank but in over 150,ooo km it caused me no grief

---

Yeah but was that with metal or plastic header tank?

Just a plastic one
Bought a new one when I did an engine rebuild
Drilled and installed float
Drove it until I sold it
Alarm went off a few times

Failed ejector unit from memory and a HG

S

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by roverrescue

Vlad
In my old 300 I just plonked a Jaycar float switch into the header tank
You can run them NO or NC quick 12V from ign switched live to the switch in NO setting to a buzzer in dash to earth

Float Switch | Jaycar Electronics

---

+1. I put on of these in another make of vehicle renowned for bursting plastic radiator parts and leaving the engine toasted without warning :
S1163A 200V 1A Vertical Float Switch - Altronics

Records say I put it in mid 2014 when i replaced the header tank, so it has done ok. I chose that one as if the float was ever compromised I could just replace it without needing to take the switch body out.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by VladTepes

Again can anyone recommend a particular low coolant alarm?

---

Doesn't Dave ( Inc ) sell one? I don't remember offhand what mine is, and it helpfully isn't branded on the front. Shows the temp, and emits an earsplitting alarm if a; the temp rises above a preset, or b: coolant falls below the sensor. I put it in the bung near the thermostat.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by VladTepes

Sometimes low tech is the best tech.

---

Amen to that.

Didn't the range Rover classic have the same header tank as the 300tdi defender?

If so I believe they also had a coolant level warning on some models, I think the one we have here has anyway.

I always thought it would be "cute" to retro fit one of these to a defender, don't know if it's worth a look...?

Anyone know about these?

I ran a Range Rover cap in my first D1 (300tdi)
The float is integral to the coolant cap
It uses a Hall Effect sensor and as such I had to build a little circuit to enable an alarm. On the Rangie I expect it just plugs into the loom / ECU

To be honest drilling a 12mm hole and screwing in a simple float switch is easier and much cheaper than the Rangie float level cap

S

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by roverrescue

I ran a Range Rover cap in my first D1 (300tdi)
The float is integral to the coolant cap
It uses a Hall Effect sensor and as such I had to build a little circuit to enable an alarm. On the Rangie I expect it just plugs into the loom / ECU

To be honest drilling a 12mm hole and screwing in a simple float switch is easier and much cheaper than the Rangie float level cap

S

---

I know...but the RRC setup is more "cute" and factory looking!

i used to sell engine saver low water alarm but got sick of the billing issues
vdo mechanical temp gauge, fits where the other comes out of
egt gauge, see my 130 thread