Frank
Member
Someone asked me about this and I reckon it's a good idea, but how?
Certainly makes sense to have one. We are all aware of the catastrophic engine failure (just means very quick, very final) potential of the cambelt snapping, but a coolant burst on the motorway would/could have the same effect as well. At the moment, you'd get the coolant temperature gauge flying up to max and then down to nothing, as the sensor became surrounded by air, instead of water. You could easily miss that on a motorway or assume that the gauge had packed up on you. I suppose as Pumas get even older then this idea becomes even more pressing as plastics and rubber sure don't like getting old.
I do know a bit about engines, but not car engines, so if any of the following sounds like nonsense, then it probably is, but that's why I'm asking for your ideas here.
Here's what I've come up with so far - there are loads of coolant level sensors (float type, capacitance, etc.) out there for other vehicles, brand new for under a tenner as well. But how would you know where to fit them on the expansion tank? Plus, those sensors are designed to be attached to the ECU. Plus, would a sensor in the expansion tank even detect a burst HCV connection quickly enough before harm was done or even a top hose? I gave up this idea at this point.
So, even if it's nonsense, here's what I thought - pumped liquids are always under a pressure, however slight, so use a pressure sensor for this. The psi ratings for oil pressure sensors are miles too high for this, but fuel pressure sensors aren't. I've calculated that the water would be at around 3psi and you can get adjustable (2 -7 psi) fuel sensors without difficulty. A 'T' connection into the positive flow side of the pipe leading to the HCV, a wire through the firewall leading to a big dash light and bypass the ECU. Start up, light comes on (due to no pressure) few seconds later it goes off, but will come on if there is a pressure loss anywhere in the coolant system. Total cost - under £30 the lot.
Your ideas?
Certainly makes sense to have one. We are all aware of the catastrophic engine failure (just means very quick, very final) potential of the cambelt snapping, but a coolant burst on the motorway would/could have the same effect as well. At the moment, you'd get the coolant temperature gauge flying up to max and then down to nothing, as the sensor became surrounded by air, instead of water. You could easily miss that on a motorway or assume that the gauge had packed up on you. I suppose as Pumas get even older then this idea becomes even more pressing as plastics and rubber sure don't like getting old.
I do know a bit about engines, but not car engines, so if any of the following sounds like nonsense, then it probably is, but that's why I'm asking for your ideas here.
Here's what I've come up with so far - there are loads of coolant level sensors (float type, capacitance, etc.) out there for other vehicles, brand new for under a tenner as well. But how would you know where to fit them on the expansion tank? Plus, those sensors are designed to be attached to the ECU. Plus, would a sensor in the expansion tank even detect a burst HCV connection quickly enough before harm was done or even a top hose? I gave up this idea at this point.
So, even if it's nonsense, here's what I thought - pumped liquids are always under a pressure, however slight, so use a pressure sensor for this. The psi ratings for oil pressure sensors are miles too high for this, but fuel pressure sensors aren't. I've calculated that the water would be at around 3psi and you can get adjustable (2 -7 psi) fuel sensors without difficulty. A 'T' connection into the positive flow side of the pipe leading to the HCV, a wire through the firewall leading to a big dash light and bypass the ECU. Start up, light comes on (due to no pressure) few seconds later it goes off, but will come on if there is a pressure loss anywhere in the coolant system. Total cost - under £30 the lot.
Your ideas?