Thread: Low coolant level alarm

Just wrote you a great reply - but then internet explorer spat the dummy and I lost the lot.

The product sounds like Aqua - Alert. I have just fitted one to a V12 Jag for the same reason as you are interested in fitting one.

The sensor needs to go in the radiator - in the top tank (appreciate some Discos like S2 v8s do not have a top tank in their radiators) - only a small hole is needed and the sensor is self sealing without the need to remove the radiator - well most of the time anyway - but be guided by your expert.

The fluid level in the expansion tank does rise and fall hence the reason for putting the sensor in the radiator - near the top. The radiator should be full all the time and if the expansion tank has emptied and the radiator level getting lower then there is some sort of isue - hence the alarm. I suggest piggy backing a bright flashing LED on the pizo alarm.

Do the alternatives you have suggested but I believe these aqua alarms are cheap insurance against unlnown loss of coolant - the temp guage will happily sit on Normal while the engine is cooking itself - the sensor will only work when it is in coolant - not warm air.

Hope this helps.

Gazz

The Bus company that I worked for Fitted them to the entire fleet after a couple of Drovers(i mean Drivers) cooked the engines [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif[/img] so after a couple of $??,000 engine rebuilds all were fitted with the alarms coupled to warning lights AND buzzers [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img] no more overheated /cooked engines, A temp guage /sender needs water to work, NO WATER- NO WORKI [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif[/img]

A dud head-gasket will drain a radiator quite well on a long run and that cooking smell does take time to filter into the cabin. ops:

Let us know if there is a web link so I can get one [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]


Matt.

I'd be interested in learning more about these kits. My Disco will do some serious miles for work over the coming 12 months, and all precautions are worthwhile IMHO.

Any links of people to speak to?

A cheaper alternative may be to buy a Range Rover reservoir cap although I am not sure that they are the same as the later Discos.
It does NOT give false alarms, and the reservoir is above the radiator and empties first. It also gives prior notice of a slow leak which a header tank one will not as the reservoir will be empty before it gets to the header..
You could add a buzzer , but in a Range Rover at least the red light gets your attention. It gets mine anyway.
You also do not have to have holes drilled in the radiator, a potential source of a leak.
Reagrds Philip A

G'day Philip,

I've been thinking this way also, as my RR had the metal header tank with the warning light on the dash, but now I have the TDI motor and use the Disco plastic header tank.

Did the later RR (say 1993+) use the plastic tank with the sensor in them?

If they did then this would be the go,well atleast for me!!!

LRH

aha - just checked my EPC and the later RR Classics (to LA647644) seems all to still use the same plastic resevoir but had a pressure cap with a low level coolant sensor in it!!!

The LR part number is PRC7925 (LR list price of $186.46, but know I can get them for just over $100)

Not sure if this helps anyone else, but could sure help some owners.

LRH

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>and the reservoir is above the radiator and empties first[/b][/quote]

Not quite. The top of the header tank may be above the top of the radiator, but the fluid level is the same in both, at least it is for all those with the plastic tank. This being a header tank, not an expansion tank, means that it will always have the same level of coolant as the radiator.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Did the later RR (say 1993+) use the plastic tank with the sensor in them?[/b][/quote]

Yes, and it's a direct replacement for the cap on all Discos etc. I have one and intend to fit it to my Defender. The cap fits, no problem, I just haven't got around to wiring it in. Ihave it sitting there for over 6 months but keep getting side tracked onto other jobs. :roll:


In the past it has been mentioned that a coolant sensor should be fitted in the thermostat housing because the 300Tdi has a handy plug there that could be replaced. However, this is the worst place to fit a coolant level sensor because it is the last place that will reflect a low coolant level when the engine is running. The radiator can be almost empty but there will still be a full level of coolant at the thermostat if the pump is running.



Paul [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]