Coolant Low Level Warning

BongoMTBer · Post by **BongoMTBer** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:45 pm

Have worked out a cheaper solution to the warning system. It uses a magnetic reed type float switch and some bits from maplin. Should cost around £30.

I will let you all know how it goes.

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 11:07 pm

How about 2 probes set to the low level in expansion tank using the water to make a circuit when ignition is on. Use that to hold a relay open. If water level falls below probes, circuit opens, relay makes providing power to buzzer ect.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 12:59 am

The Great Pretender wrote:How about 2 probes set to the low level in expansion tank using the water to make a circuit when ignition is on. Use that to hold a relay open. If water level falls below probes, circuit opens, relay makes providing power to buzzer ect.

Isn't that more or less the principle that Haydn's kit uses

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 1:09 am

Is it, maybe great minds think alike then.

If it is, should be easy to make even for a numpty like me.

BongoMTBer · Post by **BongoMTBer** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 7:55 am

It is, although a little more complicated. I don't think you could get enough current through water at 12 to 24 volts to enable the operation of a relay.

Haydns is a much less intrusive instalation that does not require a belled. Mine does, but as I intend to flush the collant, I don't mind. m

Bonza · Post by **Bonza** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 8:36 am

BongoMTB and all,

As someone who helped Haydn and the Ozzie guy sort out the final Coolant detector can I offer some comments.

1.The Bongo expansion tank has lots of baffles so space within the tank is limited. In fact its cleverly designed to hold the last drop of coolant near the outlet at most angles that a vehicle could achieve. Putting a reed switch just inside the neck of the tank (if you can get it in) will mean that the coolant level will need to be maintained right up high. But as the engine warms the level increases (expands) about 1 inch.

Haydns system has the probes located "within" an area bounded by baffles and any loss is detected quickly in that area. It also does not suffer from vehicle attitude in normal use. Its been tested by me over Dartmoor and the hills of Devon!The probe position selected means that filling is only required to the normal level mark.

2. The reed switch would avoid the problem of coolant fluid changing characteristics (from neat water to 100% coolant). Haydns system allows for that anyway.

3. Haydns system is solid state so there are no components in the detection of coolant loss to fail. Vehicle movement is unlikely to cause false warnings. I was unable to cause any during testing.

4. Like all simple solutions, the testing takes a long, long time to be able to rely on the system and ensure no false warnings. Get ready to cut up a few spare expansion tanks.The detector circuitry was already proven in use in other set ups and backed by a warranty.

Just my 2ps worth. Good luck.

Bonza

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 10:13 am

It's not perhaps as simple as you might like to think. If you start connecting a 12volt supply through your header tank from the vehicle electrics you will start to dissolve all sorts of bits of metal in your cooling system. (electrolysis)

helen&tony · Post by **helen&tony** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 12:59 pm

Hi
Haydn's device works for me....it's not expensive, needs little space, everythings included, except a fuseholder, and that's personal choice, it's a doddle to fit, AND, above all, it was tried and tested before marketing by Bongo owners.....What more can you want, except , maybe, a slice of fried gold
Cheers
Helen

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 2:32 pm

I must admit I'm extremely happy with the LCA I bought from Haydn and fitted. I knew too that he and Bonza had done some thorough testing in the true spirit of Bongo. Now that it's been in a while, I've all but forgotten about it. The little LED is mounted in my dashboard and looks like it is part of the cars original equipment - very neat. I travel around free from worries about a coolant leak (though I should be more disciplined about carrying some spare coolant mix in case I get a slow leak and want to try and get home). When I come to sell the car (never!) this installation can only enhance its value. Its been a thoroughly worthwhile investment. I can't honestly say I think the market needs an alternative as the Haydn kit is not that dear and - when you consider potential cost of damage from coolant loss - having reliable gear (which I hope and believe it will prove to be) is more important than shaving £30 of the equipment cost.

And no, I'm not on the payroll, though I do like to see initiative rewarded!

BongoMTBer · Post by **BongoMTBer** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 6:03 pm

I think you have misunderstood me. I am not looking to produce a 'product', I am just having a play on my Bongo and was going to post my findings for a DIY soloution.

However, if you don't want me to share my experiences......

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 10:24 pm

At this moment a "test sample" of the Mk2 ciggy socket coolant loss alarm is in the post addressed to a forum member to evaluate and report back on.
I tested it this morning and it is a extreamly neat bit of kit.
There is one problem we have to address with it. It only works 100% (in it's present form) in a socket that is NOT permanantly live.
If the socket is permanantly live then there is no test beep/flash as you switch on the ignition. The alarm will still "go off" if coolant is lost, but the only way you get a test beep/flash is to unplug/plug in.
We will get the backroom boys working on this hicup and hopefully sort it.
In the meantime, as with the Mk 1, the first batch will be available to members who's ciggy sockets are NOT permanantly live at a reduced price in a effort to gain feedback on this product.
Ian will also be keeping a few of both the Mk1 & Mk2 in the shop.

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 11:12 pm

BongoMTBer wrote:I think you have misunderstood me. I am not looking to produce a 'product', I am just having a play on my Bongo and was going to post my findings for a DIY soloution.

However, if you don't want me to share my experiences......

Im with you, I make as mutch as I can because im a tight git

This is what I was thinking of.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i187/ ... /relay.jpg

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 11:19 pm

Me too, but I'm a tad wary of this one

alphabetter · Post by **alphabetter** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 11:32 pm

The Great Pretender wrote:
BongoMTBer wrote:I think you have misunderstood me. I am not looking to produce a 'product', I am just having a play on my Bongo and was going to post my findings for a DIY soloution.

However, if you don't want me to share my experiences......
Im with you, I make as mutch as I can because im a tight git
This is what I was thinking of.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i187/ ... /relay.jpg

As was said above, this probably isn't a good idea because you will set up an electrolysis process which will degrade the coolant and destroy the electrodes. Worst case you start generating hydrogen and oxygen gas in your cooling system which you definitely don't want.

I also rather doubt that it will work as the conductivity of water probably isn't good enough to energise the relay.

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 11:33 pm

mikeonb4c wrote:Me too, but I'm a tad wary of this one

Didnt they say that about splitting the atom.

Coolant Low Level Warning

Coolant Low Level Warning

low coolant