Coolant alarm problem

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haydn callow
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by haydn callow » Thu Jan 31, 2019 1:56 pm

Easy test to do, just get the wife’s turkey baster or whatever and remove enough coolant to expose the sensor screw, or removing the screw will have exactly the same effect...I will eat a witchitty grub if the alarm doesn’t sound.
Another test would be to get another bit of wire and connect one end to the sensor screw head and the other end to Earth. This will stop the alarm from ever sounding and tell you there is a problem with the coolant. If it does sound then your wiring is at fault.
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by Two R's » Thu Jan 31, 2019 3:30 pm

Will try the wire thing and report back.
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by teenmal » Thu Jan 31, 2019 4:42 pm

Two R's wrote: Thu Jan 31, 2019 3:30 pm Will try the wire thing and report back.


Personally I would remove coolant to below the screw.
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by Two R's » Thu Feb 07, 2019 6:58 pm

I tried the wire thing and the alarm kept going.

Had it in the garage today and have had it taken out. It was getting worse after having the new battery fitted. On for around 80% of my commute at random times. Fast, slow, stationary - no particular pattern.

Haydn - I'd like to take you up on your offer of exchanging it if possible. It looks slightly different to the ones I've seen online - maybe an oder version? The wire to the screw is black and looks thinner, but it's got your number on the label so am assuming it's yours.

I'll buy an engine temp alarm from you so maybe send them back together?
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by haydn callow » Thu Feb 07, 2019 7:09 pm

Contact Jo via the website and she will sort it....if as you say the alarm still sounds with a wire connecting the sensor screw to Earth then it has either been wired wrong or you are the unluckiest owner and have got the first ever (as far as I know) faulty alarm .... we will test it on receipt and let you all know....I know someone on here who will be hoping it’s faulty.
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by Two R's » Thu Feb 07, 2019 8:05 pm

Cheers. Just to clarify, it’s only been the last four months that it’s been particularly bad. Had it a few years without any squeaks.
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by haydn callow » Thu Feb 07, 2019 8:07 pm

O.k. We will sort it
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by haydn callow » Mon Feb 25, 2019 11:16 am

Well... your alarm received this morning, after removing all the extra bits of thin wire that were tapped off from the positive input ...we bench tested it for 20 mins under cooling system conditions and it works perfectly, we will return it as a new kit today FOC and please just fit it as per instructions without adding any extra wires. If the problem persists then it is NOT the alarm
I doubt you would get this service off the £20 ebay seller recommended by some on here.
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by Two R's » Mon Feb 25, 2019 11:37 am

Thanks Haydn. Not sure what all the thin wires were about. I didn’t remove it so not sure where they went! I’ll let you know how I get on.
Cheers.
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by Two R's » Fri Apr 05, 2019 9:59 am

Just a quick update.

I got a replacement alarm from Haydn. My mechanic fitted it a few weeks ago and it worked perfectly... for around a week.

And then I noticed after a few days it was taking longer for the test alarm to stop. The weather has been getting a bit cooler so I don't know if it's that, but the last two days it's been sounding for five to six minutes after starting. It's been fine after that. I had new glow plugs fitted recently so everything firing up okay.
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by haydn callow » Fri Apr 05, 2019 10:31 am

Have you had new coolant recently ?
When cold, take the expansion tank cap off and replace it, this will release any pressure, now remove the sensor screw from the tank and wire brush the thread. Replace it and report back the results.
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by haydn callow » Fri Apr 05, 2019 10:34 am

Ah, another thought......before doing the above, put a cupful of water in the tank and report back.
Sounds as though the level has dropped to just below the sensor and when it warms up the coolant expands and switches off the alarm.
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by Two R's » Fri Apr 05, 2019 10:45 am

That sounds more likely. The screw is quite new. Might have lost a bit when they refitted the alarm. I’ll check it when I set off home from work later.
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by haydn callow » Fri Apr 05, 2019 10:48 am

If that sorts it the alarm is doing it’s job, it is a coolant loss alarm so if it goes off the coolant level should always be the first check.

Take care
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
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Re: Coolant alarm problem

Post by Two R's » Sat Apr 06, 2019 11:06 am

Levels looked fine, but I topped up anyway with diluted coolant. Much warmer morning today, but alarm is now worse. Took at least ten minutes before it stopped. All I can think is the screw is getting coated and then being cleaned as it warms up. I’ll give the screw another clean but dont want to do this every week.
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