Hi
I am in the process of developing/designing a low coolant level sensor kit for my Mark 2 Stag, and I was wondering what other member’s views might be of the viability of the project or any problems that might be associated with its installation.
My initial idea is to use a float moving within a stainless steel tube (to prevent false alarms from fluid slosh when cornering at speed etc) which would be fed through the filler aperture to replace the current brass filler plug and would incorporate a reed switch which would be activated when the magnetic float reaches the required low level and in turn would illuminate a dash mounted warning light or activate an audible alarm or both. I thought of utilising the fasten seat belt light bulb and replacing the message as most cars will have been fitted with after market non sensor type belts anyway. (see pic)
My (rough) sketch shows reed switch positioned at the bottom of the tube and the magnetic float at the top (coloured red) when coolant is filled up.
Main areas of concern are:
1. What would be the ideal trigger point measurement from the filler plug before the water pump becomes exposed?
2. What sort of relay would I need to protect the reed switch from melting shut?
3. Would it impede the coolant flow in any way?
4. Sealing the system to maintain coolant pressure?
I am looking to get the brass plug redesigned and remade by an engineering firm I use to accommodate the wiring/stainless tube. I have been in discussion with an electronics firm who assure me they have a float switch that can be modified for this application.
It could be a way of protecting our cars, on Mark 2s at least.
What do you think?
All comments/suggestions would greatly appreciated
Glen
I am in the process of developing/designing a low coolant level sensor kit for my Mark 2 Stag, and I was wondering what other member’s views might be of the viability of the project or any problems that might be associated with its installation.
My initial idea is to use a float moving within a stainless steel tube (to prevent false alarms from fluid slosh when cornering at speed etc) which would be fed through the filler aperture to replace the current brass filler plug and would incorporate a reed switch which would be activated when the magnetic float reaches the required low level and in turn would illuminate a dash mounted warning light or activate an audible alarm or both. I thought of utilising the fasten seat belt light bulb and replacing the message as most cars will have been fitted with after market non sensor type belts anyway. (see pic)
My (rough) sketch shows reed switch positioned at the bottom of the tube and the magnetic float at the top (coloured red) when coolant is filled up.
Main areas of concern are:
1. What would be the ideal trigger point measurement from the filler plug before the water pump becomes exposed?
2. What sort of relay would I need to protect the reed switch from melting shut?
3. Would it impede the coolant flow in any way?
4. Sealing the system to maintain coolant pressure?
I am looking to get the brass plug redesigned and remade by an engineering firm I use to accommodate the wiring/stainless tube. I have been in discussion with an electronics firm who assure me they have a float switch that can be modified for this application.
It could be a way of protecting our cars, on Mark 2s at least.
What do you think?
All comments/suggestions would greatly appreciated
Glen
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