Aftermarket temperature alarms

[Sidewinder76]

Hi all.

Has anyone fitted an aftermarket temperature alarm to their vehicles? I am considering fitting something to mine after recent events. Just another little driver aid so that I can spend a bit more time looking at the road and less time being paranoid about the gauge.

Something like this:

TEMPERATURE GAUGE & ALARM Detects Low Water / Coolant Relay Cooling Control EG3

Obviously there are a lot of different designs including the traditional round 52mm type as well with the sender inline in the coolant.

[haydent]

if you google some of the name of these devices you will find plenty of talk about it, and peoples opinions about different types.

as a side note, im building my own: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/153089-arduino-modular-engine-sensors-unit-50-a.html

[wayneg]

Personally I prefer having a low coolant alarm, it should give a warning something is wrong before overheating starts.
I fitted a sender in the expansion tank and put flashing leds on the dash. Cost about $10

p38 low coolant warning - YouTube

[incisor]

save $30 bucks of retail on Engine Saver alarms thru Daves Interesting Things (http://www.davesitshop.com/davesitshop/)

they make a hell of a noise and have an LED light.

Dave's Interesting Things (http://www.davesitshop.com/davesitshop/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=30)

[haydent]

Personally I prefer having a low coolant alarm, it should give a warning something is wrong before overheating starts.
I fitted a sender in the expansion tank and put flashing leds on the dash. Cost about $10

p38 low coolant warning - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XHsm3x7mkY)


yes , im adding one of these too

[TheTree]

Hi

I just fitted a low coolant alarm, will write it up soon !

Steve

[Bazzle218]

Low Water Alarm Sensor (http://www.enginesaver.com.au)

Give them a call Made in Australia in Ingham Qld last time i called. Great piece of kit easy to fit and has head temp monitoring. Great service give them a call and mention AURLO for special price.;)

[wayneg]

As requested....
Here is the link to a previous How to with a bit from me...
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/p38a-range-rover/112871-low-coolant-alarm.html

I use a plastic sender from e-bay...
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/880.jpg
New Liquid Water Level Sensor Right Angle Float Switch | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Liquid-Water-Level-Sensor-Right-Angle-Float-Switch-/230697910942?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b6aac29e)

you will need a 5 pin relay and either a buzzer and or a led of your choice, both very cheap from e-bay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CAR-AUTOMOTIVE-BIKE-12V-30-40-AMP-5-PIN-CHANGEOVER-RELAY-/321194400807?pt=US_Relays_Sensors&hash=item4ac8ad9c27

[haydent]

yeah here's the thing with all the cheap float switches on ebay, they generaly only say upto deg 60-80c in the case of the one you list 80c. but cant coolant go upto 100 at least or a above (as under pressure it can) ?

[wayneg]

The sender has been in my car for a year with no problems, I use the car every day. They are $2 each so if one craps itself you dont need a mortgage for a new one!. If you read the thread I put the link to it also shows how to fit a BMW unit. You can also get a complete BMW header tank which is almost identical with the sender fitted.
You pay`s your money and you take your pick!


Ebay 135c

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Stainless-Steel-Tank-Pool-Liquid-Water-Level-Sensor-Horizontal-Float-Switch-/130904478696?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e7a83d3e8

[haydent]

i think ill try a cheapo and keep an eye on it , its not the sensor im worried about more it warping and leaking.

[haydent]

i think ill try a cheapo and keep an eye on it , its not the sensor im worried about more it warping and leaking.

just ordered these two stainless steel models, even if the electronics doesnt take the heat i know the body will, just a matter of if they can fit or not...

110cm Length Liquid Water Level Sensor Stainless Steel Vertical Float Switch | eBay (http://r.ebay.com/MlaQyh)

10mm Thread Stainless Steel Liquid Water Level Sensor Vertical Float Switch | eBay (http://r.ebay.com/dzGeGr)

[Sidewinder76]

Hi I just fitted a low coolant alarm, will write it up soon ! Steve

I eagerly await this write up Steve!

[TheTree]

I eagerly await this write up Steve!

Hi

Damn I knew I would get called on that :eek:

I have made a start and I will finish in within the next week i reckon

Steve

[Sidewinder76]

Hi.

I'm intrigued.

Hopefully it doesn't involve making too many holes in the expansion tank as that is the bit that I don't like the idea of. ;)

[wayneg]

Hi.

making too many holes in the expansion tank as that is the bit that I don't like the idea of. ;)

Buy a BMW 3 series expansion tank, it`s identical apart apart from one small outlet. They have the sender unit as standard. There is a full write up if you search

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/237.jpg

[Sidewinder76]

Buy a BMW 3 series expansion tank, it`s identical apart apart from one small outlet. They have the sender unit as standard. There is a full write up if you search

Thanks wayneg!

I'll have a search when I get to a computer so I can have a good look at what's needed. Hopefully it includes an idiot proof wiring diagram.

[Sidewinder76]

I have had a look today on fleabay and there are a lot of tanks there but they don't seem to have the outlet on the underside that mine has. Has anyone installed one of these and have they found this to be true?

[wayneg]

A BMW 3 series expansion tank, it`s identical apart apart from one small outlet


As I said in my previous post.

[Sidewinder76]

A BMW 3 series expansion tank, it`s identical apart apart from one small outlet


As I said in my previous post.


Noted. I'm going to blame nightshift for that one.

So that would mean adding the outlet which would be fairly small.
Better a small hole than a 26mm hole for the sender I suppose.

Have you fitted one wayneg?

[TheTree]

Hi

Yes there are three options for the sensor it seems.

The BMW Tank.
A sensor in a late model classic cap
DIY methods.

I choose to use a pair of 80mm 316 Grade Stainless steel screws going down from the top. So far they work fine.

There are a couple of threads on rangerovers.net about the BMW tank

Steve

[wayneg]

Have you fitted one wayneg?

No, I have fitted a $2 ebay special that requires a hole of about 8mm drilling into the side of the existing tank below the Cap. The sender drops into the tank via the cap orifice and pull the wires and the base out through the 8mm hole. All it made water tight by two o rings one each side of the hole held tight buy the nut on the threaded end of the sender.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/09/119.jpg

[TheTree]

HI

Another option, the float switch

Thanks Wayne

Steve

[steveG]

Just my 2c worth...
Low coolant alarms are great and have saved me a couple of times. Once was a split hose and the other the water pump developed a decent leak.

But they won't alert you to an actual temperature issue.

I've now got Engine Watchdog temperature sensor/alarms in 2 of my vehicles.
Recently a failed thermostat that had only been fitted a few months and would probably have cooked the engine if I hadn't had the alarm fitted.

When the alarm went off I wasn't in a position to pull over straight away and just let it cool down, so I turned the heater and fan on flat out which was enough to keep the temperature stable at around 100deg (head temp not actual coolant) until I could safely stop. Ultimately it got me out of the city and home where I could investigate and fix the issue.
Being stop/start city traffic I doubt I would have noticed the temp gauge climbing until it was too late.

Steve

[TheTree]

Hi

Well i have finally done the first cut of my low coolant alarm :D
It can be seen here

P38 Range Rover Low Coolant Alarm (http://p38.hts.com.au/low_coolant_alarm.html)

I will add more pics soon, all feedback welcome

Steve

[mtb_gary]

Well done Steve! I had a poke around your site...that's a very long pending list :o

Gary

[TheTree]

Well done Steve! I had a poke around your site...that's a very long pending list :o

Gary

Hi Gary,

Thanks mate, that list will probably grow, I reckon I am looking at a 1 to 2 year time frame to get it properly sorted and set up.

EBC dimpled and grooved discs and green stuff pads going on next weekend, along with a caliper overhaul and new brake hoses :cool:

Then the aux battery setup goes in and I am ready to at least do some camping and a little offroad work :D

Steve

[Sidewinder76]

Hi

Well i have finally done the first cut of my low coolant alarm :D
It can be seen here

P38 Range Rover Low Coolant Alarm (http://p38.hts.com.au/low_coolant_alarm.html)

I will add more pics soon, all feedback welcome

Steve

Hi Steve.

Thanks for taking the time to write this up and to share it with us. I have gone for an engine watchdog system at the moment as it's a little more plug-and-play for now until I get the time to carry out an install along the lines of yours. The more the merrier for me at the moment to help with the overheating paranoia that I have. ;)
The temps are starting to climb up here in the Pilbara now so it's a good time to employ a little extra safeguards.

[davidsonsm]

Anybody used a bonnet scoop to assist with airflow and cooling? I know somebody who has, and have been considering, but wanted some other opinions.

[TheTree]

Anybody used a bonnet scoop to assist with airflow and cooling? I know somebody who has, and have been considering, but wanted some other opinions.

HI

My issue with a bonnet scoop is what happens when you get in some deep water :eek:

Steve

[Sidewinder76]

Anybody used a bonnet scoop to assist with airflow and cooling? I know somebody who has, and have been considering, but wanted some other opinions.

Funny that you should mention a scoop as I have been considering one as my bonnet now has a bulge from the inside after the fan destroyed itself. I was chatting to a friend who suggested it as it would be cheaper and easier than a respray.
I have to say that water crossing wouldn't be a real issue for me so I'd be looking at a scoop in the style of the V8 land cruiser which is a little more discreet than something like one from a Subaru wrx sti.

[davidsonsm]

That's what snorkels are for.

It does seem excessively hot under there.

[benji]

In regards to the heat, I've been wondering if wrapping the manifolds would make a difference.

[mtb_gary]

In regards to the heat, I've been wondering if wrapping the manifolds would make a difference.

Benji, on the standard exhaust manifold it would be pretty hard to wrap. But certainly post manifold it could help. This could be a good reason to invest in extractors, that way they could be wrapped all the way to the heads.
Also, if the old sports car and motorbike performance theory was correct, you will gain a little bit mor HP from wrapped exhaust due to keeping the heat on the inside of the exhaust. On most engines, the exhaust going out the exhaust pipe helps pull more air and fuel into the cylinder, adding power. When gasses cool, they shrink in volume. When the exhaust gas cools it shrinks in size, which causes it to travel slower thus pulling less fuel/air charge into the cylinder.

Gary

[davidsonsm]

Would headers have to be custom made if sourced in Oz?

I've seen them on eBay out of the UK, but I think they were only mild steel.

[davidsonsm]

Marcus (Highrr) has just fitted a patrol gu scoop along with a water temp gauge. He reckons it's dropped the way temp by 10 degs, which is a great result. Gotta be worth a go.

[haydent]

just ordered these two stainless steel models, even if the electronics doesnt take the heat i know the body will, just a matter of if they can fit or not...

110cm Length Liquid Water Level Sensor Stainless Steel Vertical Float Switch | eBay (http://r.ebay.com/MlaQyh)

10mm Thread Stainless Steel Liquid Water Level Sensor Vertical Float Switch | eBay (http://r.ebay.com/dzGeGr)

these didnt work as i didnt realise at the time the d2 tan is compartmentalized, so you cant get access to any bit with a roof to mount this type.

btw your write up website is down

[wayneg]

these didnt work as i didnt realise at the time the d2 tan is compartmentalized, so you cant get access to any bit with a roof to mount this type.




See post 22 of this thread

[TheTree]

btw your write up website is down

Hi

Thanks for letting me know, had a DNS issue over the weekend got it sorted yesterday !

Steve

[haydent]

i found a way, to get a common ebay float switch into a td5 header tank:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=77023&stc=1&d=1399697062
i shortened by cutting a bit out and re glueing & "plastic welding" the end back on.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=77024&stc=1&d=1399697096
at this end there is enough space for it to operate

[wayneg]

I have been advising on this method for several years. I use a smaller float as the hole is only 10mm, still only $2 on ebay.

[haydent]

I have been advising on this method for several years. I use a smaller float as the hole is only 10mm, still only $2 on ebay.

theres quite a few on ebay, can you link it ?

[wayneg]

theres quite a few on ebay, can you link it ?

Keep the hole as small as possible. US$1.55 shipped, cant go wrong. Says up to 85c but I have had no issues yet, get 2 just in case

Hot Fish Tank Pool Liquid Water Level Liquid Sensor Right Angle Float Switch 02 | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-Fish-Tank-Pool-Liquid-Water-Level-Liquid-Sensor-Right-Angle-Float-Switch-02-/191139148696?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c80c7f398)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/908.jpg

[haydent]

didnt realise they were available that small, i might order one to have a look at it.

[wayneg]

This will work no issue, drops in from the filler hole, wires 1st, fish them through the hole you make in the side, tighten, job done. I put a second 0 ring on, one in and one out and to be extra sure I coat it in silicone sealant before I tighten. Leave a few hrs before adding coolant to let it cure. I have done 3 cars without problem.

[haydent]

thats great, i would have gotten one of these and used it instead but your prev photos of an installation was not as neat sounding and i had no idea they where that small. ill use one on my other LR when i make a monitor for that too.

[TheTree]

Hi

I added another pair of probes to mine to minimise the possibility of false alarms, but those tiny floats look like a great idea

Steve

[davidsonsm]

This is what I've prepared. Just waiting for an opportunity to fit it.

7719377194

[haydent]

Keep the hole as small as possible. US$1.55 shipped, cant go wrong. Says up to 85c but I have had no issues yet, get 2 just in case

Hot Fish Tank Pool Liquid Water Level Liquid Sensor Right Angle Float Switch 02 | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-Fish-Tank-Pool-Liquid-Water-Level-Liquid-Sensor-Right-Angle-Float-Switch-02-/191139148696?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c80c7f398)


meant to get back to you sooner, to say that yes indeed these floats fit down inside the fill hole of the header tank !

[TheTree]

I recently replaced my header tank and am just waiting on the float switch to arrive. It is a simpler and cleaner method than the probes I reckon

Steve

[mtb_gary]

I'm going down a slightly different path and fitting one of these this weekend.

81808

It takes the temperature of the engine metal and not the coolant.

Gary

[FANTOM P38]

Hi Gary,
I was just looking at that yesterday on ebay. If you have not noticed it is also available as a dual sensor model so you could monitor water & oil temps on one device with audible alarms.
Post up once you have fitted, let us know what you think!
Martin

[mtb_gary]

I only went with the single sensor and have mounted it on the coupling where the top radiator hose enters the engine. As it turns out not far from the temperature sensor already in the car. Installation was not difficult, undo one of the bolts that holds the coupling in place, then redo with the new sensor in place. The running of the wire back to the dash was the most time consuming part as I wanted the wires totally hidden. I was able to use the protective casing around the alternator lead to bring the new wire back to the battery enclosure, then run the wire under the fuse box and expansion tank before passing through the firewall with the existing wiring loom. From there it was simply a matter of picking up a 12v + and an earth. I did end up purchasing an additional 2 pin plug so that I can easily unplug it when accessing the panel under the steering. The display is mounted on a piece of stainless steel that is in turn bolted to the large panel under the steering.
81870
On a scale of 1-10 for difficulty of installation I'd give it a 2.
As a matter of interest I compared the display output with the Torque app, they were 1 degree different at operating temperature of 85/86 degrees.