I've used float switches from RS for the same function in the past.
They did do a version that can be installed from the outside of the bottle.
Ideally you need to have averaging circuit connected between the switch and
the warning light so the light doesn't come on when you go round corners.
I think my last version needed about 30 seconds of the switch more on than
off before it switches the light on.
If you are using a microprocessor you can have it so that when you first
turn the ignition on it shows the switch state instantly (so you can see the
water is low before you drive off) but then smooth's it.
Isn't this why Ford now use cylinder head temperature sensors rather than
water temperature sensors ?
The measure the temperature of the head casting rather than the water.
I think they changed around the Mk5 Fiesta.
Jim
-----Original Message-----
From: Susan and Martin Scott
Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2013 10:40 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Quantum Owners] low coolant alarm
Look like a good idea - you've certainly been busy the last few days!
Something I'd like to do to my saloon, but I'd feel a bit reluctant to drill
into the bottle in case I couldn't get a seal, or (over time) the seal
didn't. Could it be possible to mount a longer 'dip' screw through the cap?
(I've not looked at the construction, but I suspect not).
There was something in the MG Owners club mag a while ago on this very
subject, I'll have to try to find it. It's always seemed a bit strange that
the manufacturers put the temp sender near the top of the engine (I realise
that's where the hot water rises) because if there is a sudden drop of level
to below the sender, then there may not be an indication on the gauge. I did
suggest whilst at Ford that if we just used a lower resistance sender ( to
allow for the temp diff) the sender could be sited down lower (in a gallery
in the block, or in a low hose) and would be able to show a temp rise even
when the water level dropped - I think it was a 'tradition' thing.
----- Original Message -----
From: "jin" <[email protected]>
To: "Quantum Owners Group" <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2013 7:07 AM
Subject: [Quantum Owners] low coolant alarm
Heres little winter project ive been working on
I'm cautious about loosing the coolant from the cooling system, I've
cooked a couple of cars to coolant loss and don't want this happening
here,
To begin with i downloaded the diagram from this place.
http://www.circuitsgallery.com/2012/08/water-tank-lowl-evel-alarm.html
i just upped the voltages to 12v, cost about £3 to make
the finished item looks like this, I've added a 12v flashing 10mm led
to act as a double safeguard because although the buzzer is loud, so
is the car.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/IMG_20121228_100711_zpsa9494077.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/IMG_20121228_102121_zps5eb3097a.jpg
i was originally going to site the buzzer and LED behind the dash
switch panel but thought it may be better to position the buzzer in
the panel that used to house the radio joystick on the Fiesta.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/IMG_20121231_231115_zps07d9f681.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/IMG_20121231_231124_zps4d4d53c5.jpg
the probes were made from M5 stainless steel screws with special
rubber washers fitted to the head and nut (both flange for extra
surface area) these were drilled into the header tank to just below
minimum level to alow for splashing and surging
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/IMG_20121214_071324_zps540ce09b.jpg
fitted with rubber sealing washers
drilled and installed into the tank itself
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/IMG_20121214_072822_zps6cd6064a.jpg
bit tricky to tighten the heads but i managed ;D
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/IMG_20121228_095723_zpsd4e4a2ba.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/IMG_20121228_095609_zps87db90b7.jpg
i then drilled the dash panel for the LED
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/IMG_20130101_110619_zps096fc727.jpg
and installed the buzzer panel
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/IMG_20130101_110657_zps354d9833.jpg
job done, click below for test video
[URL=http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/
VID_20130101_111217_zpsef477e5c.mp4][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/
albums/o192/jindal/2012%20quantum/
th_VID_20130101_111217_zpsef477e5c.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
all in I'm very happy, all that is left to do is buy an LED to replace
the lamp for the "fan on" indicator i wired in last year, this lamp
was fitted to the joystick panel but the new steering wheel obscures
it a bit and the buzzer now lives there anyway. ill fit this LED to
the dash panel by the water alarm LED.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: All information presented herewith is provided on an "As Is"
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Owners Club nor the individuals associated with the Quantum Owners Club or
in the preparation of the above information shall have any liability to any
person or entity with respect to liability, loss, or damage caused or
alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the instructions contained
within this or related message(s).
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IMPORTANT NOTE: All information presented herewith is provided on an "As Is"
basis, without warranty or the implication thereof. Neither the Quantum Owners Club nor
the individuals associated with the Quantum Owners Club or in the preparation of the
above information shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to
liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the
instructions contained within this or related message(s).
