Coolant level alarm

[bongalo]

Has any one out there fitted a new header tank from a different car with a level swilch in? peugeots have a float switch fitted to there header tanks it would be simple to wire a warning light or buzzer to the switch
any thoughts would be a cheap option

[haydn callow]

We looked at float switches when experimenting a couple of years ago. They seem to work quite well for up to 5 years then start sticking and giving false readings...Also most of them don't seem to be fitted to pressurized systems like the Bongo has. You can get a float switch from maplins but getting it to seal could be a problem.

[dandywarhol]

All modern (since about 1950s) are pressurized Haydn - I don't see the relevance to the float type

[bongalo]

Ill get hold of one this weekend the one on my peugeot was in a pressurised system and it was fitted to the cap so can be easily replaced i cant see how it wont work

[haydn callow]

The systems are pressurized but not always the header tanks ??? some are just expansion tanks as I understand it.

[mikeonb4c]

All modern (since about 1950s) are pressurized Haydn - I don't see the relevance to the float type

The main relevance for me would be the trickier engineering involved in designing a retrofit float kit that sat inside a header tank. So for example if it wasn't pressurised it might be easy to hang it from the rim that the cap goes on to. But if it was pressurised, that wouldn't work as it would likely compromise the pressure seal.

...but I've no idea if that was what Haydn had in mind

[bongalo]

So i am looking for a tank with a switch and a relief valve built in to the cap as on the bongo happy hunting

[mikeonb4c]

So i am looking for a tank with a switch and a relief valve built in to the cap as on the bongo happy hunting

I would get a low coolant alarm kit as developed for the Bongo. Seems a lot of (risky) work doing anything else and not worth the hassle

[francophile1947]

Just remember that the Bongo's tank is part of the circulatory system and not just an expansion tank. Make sure the replacement has enough hose connection points.

[haydn callow]

You are looking for a header tank with a pressure cap 1.1 bar....a level switch and 2 "low Down" inlets/outlets of the correct Dia. Then wire it up to a bulb/buzzer and power. Simple !! Oh ! and secure it somehow under the bonnet. It won't "self test" as you switch on the ignition so you won't know if it's working or not.
Go for it and let us know how it turns out. The guys in the Delica club have been there and given up.

[Grahame at work]

I've had a float switch fitted to the header / expansion tank for about 18 months now. Wired to the beeper input that was the “I’m in reverse” input and fed from the “I’ve left the key in” switch. So far no problems and I get a check all is well if I do a hard right turn and the coolant surges to the other side of the chamber .

I got the switch from RS for less than £20.

Regards Grahame

[bongalo]

grahaeme at work do you have a product code
cheers

[Grahame at work]

Bongalo,

Just looking on the RS site I think it is 288-9322 - RSF76Y050TV.

I used the Viton seal.

I'll check when I get home tonight and let you know if its wrong.

I'll stick a couple of pics on as well.

Regards Grahame

[dandywarhol]

The systems are pressurized but not always the header tanks ??? some are just expansion tanks as I understand it.

Most expansion tanks I've come across have a direct connection to the radiator (not the cap) and are therefore pressurised...................

[haydn callow]

http://www2.partstrain.com/store/?D=coo ... 5610&Nty=1

These are the sort of expansion tanks I'm thinking of...I thought they were quite common.