View Full Version : Custom coolant level warning Light, need help finding sensor 1/8" NPT
DiscountPirate
10-03-2016, 12:24 PM
So I bought a cheap aluminum coolant reservoir off ebay similar to the circuit sports one. For some reason on the bottom they put a 1/8" npt port. I was just going to plug it but then thought about trying to rig up a low coolant level indicator light. All I would need is a very small vertical float type sensor that can be screwed up and into a 1/8" npt. The float would remain above the contact unless low coolant then the float would make contact complete the circuit to send signal. Pretty sure the only thing else I would need is a relay and an led light and I could have a low coolant level indicator in cabin. Anybody know how I would go about finding a sensor, or what key words to use? I would bet alibaba or some similar site has what I need but I haven't had any luck.
KAT-PWR
10-03-2016, 12:44 PM
It is an overflow, its job to to accumulate excess coolant and return it to the engine (fluctuate from high to low)
So this seems like an exceptional waste of time.
You shouldn't be losing coolant, so the total coolant volume should remain relatively the same
Whtsr240
10-03-2016, 12:47 PM
Second that it's just a overflow tank
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DiscountPirate
10-16-2016, 02:47 AM
It is an overflow, its job to to accumulate excess coolant and return it to the engine (fluctuate from high to low)
So this seems like an exceptional waste of time.
You shouldn't be losing coolant, so the total coolant volume should remain relatively the same
Obviously under ideal circumstances you shouldn't be losing coolant, but it happens all the time. Ever had to do those 5 coolant lines under the intake manifold? Yes I am aware it is a self bleeding system and it is an overflow tank and not a closed system reservoir. It may not indicate a catastrophic loss of coolant while driving but it can definitely provide a baseline at start up. In some hard driving circumstances you may have loss of coolant from the overflow nipple but generally the amount of fluid in that tank while cold should not radically change. I have low coolant indicators in some of my other cars and I kind of like it. I'm not trying to do this out of necessity, I'm trying to do it for fun. Out of all the BS that people do with their 240s that is a waste of time, why would you think this is? Pretty sure function Trumps form...pun intended.
anti tyler
10-17-2016, 10:27 PM
In theory this could work, granted fluid levels in the small container sloshing around during turns would be throwing lights and warnings off 24/7.
You could potentially just run it as a circuit with connections to a blank spot on the original cluster, kind of like a disconnect circuit where when contact is broken in the overflow the light comes on. That would look neat.
At that point I don't think it would be function over form. But it'd be no worse for wear. Nevertheless it's not anywhere near the worst idea I've seen.
DiscountPirate
11-12-2016, 08:40 AM
If I had the time I'm sure I could figure something out, at the moment it's on the backburner along with a ton of other projects.
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