High Temp Alarm Systems (V6)

[thebigred]

Hi,

Probably loads of posts about this already (I have searched around a bit before posting) but wanted to get the most up to date info.

I have a V6 which doesn't have a high temp alarm. The dealer I bought it from said that generally V6's don't suffer from coolant / over temp issues, however I'm not inclined to believe this since (from my very limited understanding) it's roughly the same cooling system and still an ali head which is still possible to damage with over temps.

Rather than a low coolant alarm I'm thinking of fitting one of these http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk/shop/inde ... roductId=8

My thinking is:

1) It will actually detect the temp at the head, even if there's enough coolant it will still warn in time to shut down and sort the problem out before it gets too bad

2) I won't have to drill a hole in the expansion tank (Something about that makes me nervous for some reason)

3) I can mount it in the glove box out of the way, the buzzer will still warn if it goes over the preset levels

What's the general thinking on this?

Although I understand electrics and a little about cars it's been a while since I've touched anything (had leased cars for a while now) so I do get nervous about doing DIY jobs on her....

Cheers

Oli

[winchman]

I have a 2.5 Diesel and the temp sensor and coolant level sensor.
I feel its best to have both, drilling the expansion tank is easy it seals fine, from memory the drill and correct screw are supplied in the kit, remember it is under very low pressure so easy to seal.
Thousands of these have been sold world wide so they must be fine
Both are a simple DIY job
Have a root around here
http://s1270.photobucket.com/user/winch ... t=3&page=1
Some pictures of me fitting a temp sensor, I did move it to the cubby box in the end as its easier to see

[thebigred]

OK it does seem having read a bit more that the low coolant alarm might be the way to go.

I'm still nervous about it though, I've read some of the PDF's I can find but having trouble visualising it step by step myself.

I'm just being a wimp, but I really don't want to break anything.

Ol.

[haydn callow]

About 6000 tanks have been drilled and as far as I know all successful. The low coolant alarm is a must have and a temp alarm a good back up if funds allow.

[haydn callow]

I also note you were looking at a TM2......that is a single sensor alarm....your V6 has 2 cylinder heads so a twin sensor would be best...one sensor for each head as in the TM4 twin sensor

[thebigred]

Thanks haydn - that's a really good point about the V6 and not something I'd thought about!

LOL knowing that it's something almost everyone has done I know I shouldn't be worried, but I'm a complete oaf when it comes to doing anything with detail.

I don't think funds are going to allow for both at the moment, but I'll def go with the expansion tank sensor at least.

Cheers

Ol.

[thebigred]

Actually another quick question

Is there a normal level for the coolant in the expansion tank? Mine is half to just below halfway between the MIN and FULL levels - is it generally a good idea to just top these up to the MAX levels?

I did buy from a dealer, who assured me that everything had been checked - but I just want to double check with those who will be in the know....

[Gasy]

^^^^^
Fill to full mark when cold I think

Drilling the expansion tank is easy
Just don't over tighten the screws

Like I did
I'm a plumber and mine leaked

If so just use a fatter screw or ptfe ( plumbers white non sticky tape )tape around screw

[haydn callow]

Fill it up to the full line when cold......it will expand a couple of cms when hot.

[BongoBongo123]

How come the coolant alarm is primary and the temp sensor secondary. My own reasoning considered the temp sensor would "catch all" where if the coolant does not drop in the header tank due to an air lock you won't be knowing about an overheat until your heads cracked.

[haydn callow]

How come the coolant alarm is primary and the temp sensor secondary. My own reasoning considered the temp sensor would "catch all" where if the coolant does not drop in the header tank due to an air lock you won't be knowing about an overheat until your heads cracked.

You are correct up to a point.

1, the low coolant alarm will let you know as soon as the level in the header tank drops below the sensor....this is long before the temp starts to rise.....So. If the coolant drained overnight it would stop you from even starting the engine and if it went off whilst driving you can pull over and checke things out and perhaps top up and carry on......no hassle
2, if you were relying on just a temp alarm it would not warn until you had lost most of your coolant and you are properly broke down.

True .... There is a small chance you can overheat without losing coolant, but 90% of the time the coolant alarm will do the job.

The point is..if you rely on just a temp alarm, you will be in a much worse situation by the time it goes off

Hope that makes sense