Coolant Alarm Yes or No??

[haydn callow]

TGP...Read on page 1..it's there

[Aethelric]

I find the low coolant alarm very re-assuring. Mine currently gives a short extra strangled squeak as the engine starts. I'm certain that this is because the van is very cold in the morning and the coolant is at its "low" level. When I last topped it up, in the summer, it was after a bleed, so the coolant was hot and therefore had more volume. I must get around to adding another cup full.
I have the Mason alarm as well. This indicated I was running hot under certain conditions, which turned out to be one of the radiator fans broken. Thanks to the alarm, I eased off the juice as the temperature got up and no damage done.
I would not be without either.

[Nibs]

Hi I agree with Peg Leg Pete, regular check, hoses changed, new anti freeze, bled properly, not had any issues.
Nibs

[haydn callow]

aethelric....most of them give a little extra "beep/flash" as you switch to start. If your coolant level was low it would beep on long hills or bends. You have no worries.

[haydn callow]

Regarding fitting a alarm that sounds when coolant is forced out of the header tank via the overflow pipe.
There is a cattle ranch owner in Oz who runs a fleet of 4x4's for his crew to use rounding up the beastie's.
All he has done is extend the pipe 4 feet so any coolant ejected "squirts" onto the drivers feet. Cheap and cheerful (except for the driver) and it "sure" works a treat.

[cabte]

I have both and wouldnt be without them.
For the sake of £100 they are a wise investment, I wouldnt like to foot a bill for over a grand..

[waycar8]

if you had the coolant loss alarm fitted it will only alarm if theres no coolant in the header tank after you have overheated and lossed coolant.

Not so !!.. The Low Coolant alarm will "alarm" long before the tank is anywhere near empty, in fact the level only needs to drop 1cm. This happens long before the engine starts to overheat and long before any temp gauge starts to move...All the various alarms have their merits but please keep to the known facts.

sorry should have made it clearer, but it made sense to me , BUT..........
what i meant was that if you have an airlock and your driving and begin to overheat the masons alarm will sound as its gone past the temperature threshold thus telling you to stop, your alarm will only alarm if theres no coolant in the header tank by this time the engine would have overheated and steam would be coming out of the overflow pipe in the header tank?

somebody asked if they need a coolant alarm so i replied, and said its a case of if you want the alarm not do i need one!, i gave my reasons why i dont have yours fitted and i also gave them advice on the alarm i have fitted and the reason why, not meant to sound like i am slagging your alarm off

[haydn callow]

Harry has been in touch and it turns out it was not plugged in. Nothing at all wrong with the alarm.
I think the "blurb" is our "honest" assessment of what the product can do, and does do. The suggestion that we would deliberately mislead to promote the alarm is both untrue and I find offensive.
I have never suggested that this system is the answer to every possible cause of overheating. I have gone out of my way to point out what it will and will not do.
What causes coolant to be ejected out of the header tank ? trapped air / blown head gasket. Lack of coolant is often the root cause of these events.
We all know that maintainance is a good thing. But can I remind you that a brand new hose that had been fitted leaked (loose clamp) and the alarm brought this to light.
You can knock anything as much as you like, do not imply dishonesty. I have worked hard to bring a product to market which can be (has been) of benefit to a lot of people. Anyone who thinks they have wasted their money please contact me. Those who have had a free one ..chuck it in the bin.
The testimonials ( http://www.enginesaver.com.au/Bongo.html ) are unbiased...or do you belive I write them myself??
Thank goodness I'm off on holiday for a few days.
Me ....fed up with it all...Never

[daveblueozzie]

Harrys alarm was sorted at Silverdale. the alarm was ok, just a loose bullet connector.(well it worked after i re fitted it) and a bit shy on coolant stength of mix which Harry is going to sort out.

[haydn callow]

P.S. to the above...If it beeps when you switch on It's working. If it dosn't then either your coolant is low or there is a fault. Of 500 approx fitted only 1 has failed and this was evident whilst fitting (duff buzzer). 2 "went faulty" and in both cases it was traced to installation faults.
1 out of 500 = 0.2%.... I can live with that.

[haydn callow]

DBO...Thanks

[dandywarhol]

Lets not have this turn into a slagging match or out of control.

The original question was "Coolant Alarm Yes or No?? People have responded as such and given their reasons.
A belt and braces approach, which many have done, is fit both kinds od alarm - that will cover almost every eventuality

[Peg leg Pete]

If you feel the need to fit alarms that is fine, I agree with Dandy, no arguements everyones opinion is valid

[daveblueozzie]

Lets not have this turn into a slagging match or out of control.

The original question was "Coolant Alarm Yes or No?? People have responded as such and given their reasons.
A belt and braces approach, which many have done, is fit both kinds od alarm - that will cover almost every eventuality

that is exactly what i have done, plus a full set of silicon hoses from flippa, but i still check the levels before i go on a journey just to be on the safe side. in my humble opinion both alarms do a job, and work together very well.
worth the cost and gives me peace of mind.
people can make their own minds up from the comments whether they need to fit alarms or not.
good maintenance and a keen nose for trouble will also help to keep your vehicle running.

[haydn callow]

The last thing I need or want is a slanging match with anyone..However if I belive my integrety is being questioned I will respond.