Another engine monitor thread

[VladTepes]

I've looked at various threads regarding this issue but there is some conflicting and unclear information.

For a 300Tdi engine -

What should I monitor ?

What are the best tools for each - gauges or electronic monitors?

There seem to be two main options when it comes to electronic systems -
The Engine Saver (or is it engicve watchdog) TM-2 combo, and the Madman EMS.

What is people's experience of these? Which would you recommend and why? Also what sort of $ are we talking....

(Note that I will get a seperate low colant sensor from Inc)

Thank You.

[weeds]

i installed the following.....haven't thought about anything else

a mechanical temp guage (replaced existing dodgey temp guage)
boost guage (replaced clock)
EGT guage (site on dash in mudpod)
low water alarm (sits in mud pod)

[VladTepes]

Having read the other threads a VDO temp gauge seems a good idea !

Why the EGT gauge ? How much does this cost against the approx $300 for a Thermoguard digital one?
Why the boost gauge ?

[edddo]

I have

TM4 ( monitors head and trans temps)

good points - has audible alarm function, easy to fit
bad points - display is not very easily visible at a glance, espec if not mounted square to your line of sight - small and not well lit ( espec if your eyes are not great)

EGT gauge

I like having this but it would be better if it had an audible alarm function cant recall the make but it was widely recommended a few years back and has the red digital display

Low coolant alarm

Has saved me a couple of times ( post coolant replacement etc) - it is a sensor in top of radiator tank rather than the expansion tank. It is wired to the ignition so that alarm briefly chirps on startup to let you know it is working.

Lindsay

[incisor]

in my order of importance

1st thing is a low coolant alarm..

2nd get a mechanical temp gauge

and 3rd an egt gauge (esp if you have the pump tweaked!)

[weeds]

Having read the other threads a VDO temp gauge seems a good idea !

Why the EGT gauge ? How much does this cost against the approx $300 for a Thermoguard digital one?
Why the boost gauge ?

i have a similar set up to the thermoguard digital unit

boost guage? i reckon if you are going to fit 33's than you will be tweeking the fuel pump. having an EGT is a must, a boost is a nice to have

i use it (boost) mainly when i am towing if its sitting on 14/15psi than i either try 4th or drop the speed a bit.no real sicience as to why i do it but when touring if i can cruise around 11/12psi than i believe i getting the best out of my fuel....i could be barking up the wrong tree as well....but i assume the more boost means more fuel wheich means more heat in the exhaust

[Petetheprinta]

In no particular order of importance I have installed...low coolant alarm from Dave's interesting things on this site, VDO, Boost, EGT and mechanical temp Gauges, TM4 gauge. Fitted them in mudpod. All easy to see but due to old age can't hear the actual alarms but will hopefully notice LEDS if the go off.

[VladTepes]

Yep I'll be getting a low coolant alarm from Dave. (hear that Dave - mate's rates eh ! )

VDO temp gauge (mechanical version I assume?)

VDO Boost gauge eh? I'm really not sure whether it would tell me anything I really NEED to know.

As to EGT I'm torn between a gauge (what's available?) and a thermoguard.

[Ranga]

I've had a TM2 and now have an EMS system. I prefer the EMS,as it monitors more things, has a configurable alarm for each, and records stuff. Come and have a look, and show me this new Defender I'm hearing rumours about!

[Petetheprinta]

Yep I'll be getting a low coolant alarm from Dave. (hear that Dave - mate's rates eh ! )

VDO temp gauge (mechanical version I assume?)

VDO Boost gauge eh? I'm really not sure whether it would tell me anything I really NEED to know.

As to EGT I'm torn between a gauge (what's available?) and a thermoguard.

It is a mechanical version, I made up a fitting and put the sensor in the head so I could retain original temp gauge. I have found the boost gauge helpful in "tuning" the injector pump and to let me know if problem with turbo. (Delaminated hoses, hole somewhere??). I picked VDO EGT gauge to match other gauges and keep all together in mudpod, no other reason.