Coolant temperature

[Titan1995]

I amthinking of fitting an aftermarket temperature monitoring device and using the inbuilt 12v out to power the cooling fans via relay. I am interested in what temperature that bongos normally run at. So as to set new system

[g8dhe]

Why would you want to do that when its already built into the ECU and the fans (assuming your diesel ) have two speeds anyway ?

[widdowson2008]

I amthinking of fitting an aftermarket temperature monitoring device and using the inbuilt 12v out to power the cooling fans via relay. I am interested in what temperature that bongos normally run at. So as to set new system

Temperature varies throughout the system.
IMHO, the best place to monitor the temperature is at the top hose stub as it exits the engine (on the driver side). It is the hottest coolant position and it will clearly indicate that the thermostat is operating correctly.
The temperature at this point SHOULD vary between 82 and 85 degC under normal driving conditions.
It will show up to 96 if the engine is worked harder (uphill, towing, etc). When it gets to 96, the radiator fans will kick in and the temperature SHOULD drop back to the low-mid 80's.
Note: 82 - 96 is the range of the thermostat, so anything above this shows that the system has (or is about to) lose control.

I agree with Geoff re fans. If your system is in good working order, you shouldn't need to operate them manualy - let the ECU take care of that.

[Velocette]

I amthinking of fitting an aftermarket temperature monitoring device and using the inbuilt 12v out to power the cooling fans via relay. I am interested in what temperature that bongos normally run at. So as to set new system

If you are trying to get the fans to cut in earlier it could cause more problems than it solves especially if it means they are constantly cycling on and off. the last thing you want is a bolus of cold water going into the system every five minutes, the HG would soon complain.

[widdowson2008]

I amthinking of fitting an aftermarket temperature monitoring device and using the inbuilt 12v out to power the cooling fans via relay. I am interested in what temperature that bongos normally run at. So as to set new system

If you are trying to get the fans to cut in earlier it could cause more problems than it solves especially if it means they are constantly cycling on and off. the last thing you want is a bolus of cold water going into the system every five minutes, the HG would soon complain.

Totally agree. If the sensors and cooling system is working correctly (as designed), then there is no need to change it.
However, I DO agree with monitoring the temperature accurately as it gives an early indication of system health and impending component malfunction.

[Titan1995]

Thanks for all the input. I have a Bongo that currently has a cracked head. I have a replacement ready to fit along with all thermostat, fan switch, water pump etc. I am starting to get paranoid about potential cooling system failures . That is why I have decided to fit the monitoring device. With which I have manual override via individual relays. I suppose I am being cautious but have spent an awful lot of money on replacement parts at this stage. Not to mention the cost in labour time albeit my own.

[longhaul8]

I do not know if he still has any but hayden use to have a cube alarm has differant temp gauges and can be set up to activate fans at a set temp.

[Velocette]

I amthinking of fitting an aftermarket temperature monitoring device and using the inbuilt 12v out to power the cooling fans via relay. I am interested in what temperature that bongos normally run at. So as to set new system

If you are trying to get the fans to cut in earlier it could cause more problems than it solves especially if it means they are constantly cycling on and off. the last thing you want is a bolus of cold water going into the system every five minutes, the HG would soon complain.

Totally agree. If the sensors and cooling system is working correctly (as designed), then there is no need to change it.
However, I DO agree with monitoring the temperature accurately as it gives an early indication of system health and impending component malfunction.

I have had the Enginesaver TM2 for about a year now and it is a superb piece of equipment. I believe it has an auxilliary output but I don't remember the details. The highest temperature I've seen on it is 101 for a minute or so and that was climbing a serious mountain in Spain (higher than anything in the UK I believe at motorway speeds. It normally sits at 85 to 87.

[Simon Jones]

The TM2 has an extra input which can be linked to the oil warning light so it sounds the alarm is there's a problem with low oil / pressure.