Thread: Coolant Temp and Low alarm

Originally Posted by garrycol

Note - these do not actually measure coolant temp - they measure engine metal temp. The actual temp is not relevant as you have to go through a specific set up procedure to determine what temp on the gauge is normal and then you watch for changes to that temp.

For example - I have the TM 2 Combo - bought from David Jones (AULRO Member)
Enginesaver Low Water Alarms
Ph 07 47766334
Mobile 0427159668

My engine has an 85 degree thermostat and with the engine at operating temp the TM2 reads 72 degree (note - not 85). The sensor is bolted to one of the inlet manifold bolts (not the thermostat housing as the coolant distorts the temp).

So I know that at normal temp my TM 2 will read 72 so I have the alarm set at about 87. If you have a normal aftermarket coolant temp gauge you will see that with the thermostat opening and closing (coolant temp rising and falling) the actual temp of the metal in the engine remains relatively constant as it should.

On really cold days the engine metal temp is a degree or two colder and on really hot days it is only a degree or two hotter - on hot days at idle in traffic temp may get up to 80 (coolant a lot hotter)

The my low coolant alarm is a sensor in the top radiator hose - you need the connector that goes into the hose.

I have it fitted since 2010 and would not be without it,

Garry

Hi Garry,

I don't think Dave does the combo units?? not on the webpage, Only from Haydn UK? (I can buy the TM2 and the low coolant alarm from Aust suppliers for same price as the one combo from UK)
Only the low water alarms and another smaller combo unit Engine Saver ESTC Page similar operation to the TM-2 operation but would just alarm at higher block/head temps

Will give a call today to check either way

Cheers Craig

Originally Posted by Tombie

Get one that does both

As per one of my other posts the watchdog and enginesaver low alarm can be had for the same price as a combo TM2 from U.K. At $320

Got any other options for combos??

Cheers Lemo

Originally Posted by AK83

+1!!

Had similar, but self induced (noobness on my part) low coolant issues on my Tdi.
I didn't fully understand how to bleed the Tdi properly, using the normal technique I've used for years on other cars(mine and others).
So Tdi, from cold, getting warm, coolant bled incorrectly, ie. air in system and not full enough .. within about 15mins, it'd have lost a fair amount of coolant, external coolant temp gauge shows me coolant temps at 95+, and this is the only situation where my dash temp gauge will rise to show it's heating up.
So loss of coolant, I see temp via my 1Gauge, and also via the dash temp gauge.

Over the past few months, I get normal coolant levels without A/C, but with A/C on, I can get up to 117°C without any loss of coolant, and once the engine has cooled a bit, I check coolant in reservoir and it's fine.
Personally, I'd prefer for the little Tdi NOT to run that hot too often.

So like sierafery said .. I'd go coolant gauge first(if it's one or the other to start with) .. especially if you use A/C and drive hard up hill to keep up with traffic.

Lemo: you didn't answer the Q as to whether TD5 or not?
If TD5, an OBD2 device won't work.
If a V8, then even an OBD device connected to your phone via Bt(cheap gauge setup!) you can set it up for coolant temps(amongst others).

My V8 spits out a lot of it's coolant whilst driving, and as soon as the temp hits above 95-100C, I shut it down.
No need for low coolant alarm, as the OBD device shows me it's (still)overheating. No need for a low coolant alarm/indicator/or anything else. Once it's hit that 95-100 mark, I know it's lost it's coolant again.

TD5

What about these?
EngineSafe, Low Coolant & Temperature Alarms

Originally Posted by Lemo

What about these?
EngineSafe, Low Coolant & Temperature Alarms

I can't help but think how 'relatively' expensive they are!
For only $60 more, you can monitor 7 separate areas of the vehicle, and data log that, and run two individual alarms for your chosen systems, and run 2 or 3 relays if you wanted with the 1Gauge system!

Do you also have an EGT gauge?

Originally Posted by AK83

I can't help but think how 'relatively' expensive they are!
For only $60 more, you can monitor 7 separate areas of the vehicle, and data log that, and run two individual alarms for your chosen systems, and run 2 or 3 relays if you wanted with the 1Gauge system!

Do you also have an EGT gauge?

Is that the Madman EMS you're referring to?

Was trying to avoid spending above $500 for what I needed!

Not trying to open a can of worms but the tune I'm running, I'm told doesn't really need EGT monitoring (duration mapping) and I've got the manifold coated and de-wedded etc

So may choices!!!

Cheers Lemo

Originally Posted by Lemo

Hi Garry,

I don't think Dave does the combo units??

That is who I got mine off - his tel number (07 47766334) is even printed in the front of the unit.

20180122_202639 by Garry Collins, on Flickr

Originally Posted by Lemo

What about these?
EngineSafe, Low Coolant & Temperature Alarms

I had a look at the webpage and as far as I can tell these give you a programmable alarm But I don't think that these will give you a temp readout.