Coolant Loss Monitor

syncroaustralia · 12 December 2008 22:14

oops...meant to change the subject line and didn't...

----- Original Message -----
From: Les Harris

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM

Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has died...

Ken,

I have been catching up with the US Syncro group email and have read the details of your excellent system for the safe monitoring of the coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well thought out and very good insurance against cooking an engine because of unnoticed coolant loss. I would like to see this posted to our website. I will certainly install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a piezo could be obtained with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that please?

Les

unclekenz · 13 December 2008 02:28

Les,

I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there seems to be an unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.

The piezo alarm I used is here ..........

goto: http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab3456&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=

The 2 float switches I used is here ........

goto: http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=

Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free download onto your computer ... handy eh .....

goto: http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359

I got power for the piezo at the switched connector at the coil. Any other q's?

Cheers.

Ken

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris" <leslieharris@...> wrote:
>
> oops...meant to change the subject line and didn't...
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Les Harris
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has died...
>
>
> Ken,
>
> I have been catching up with the US Syncro group email and have read the details of your excellent system for the safe monitoring of the coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well thought out and very good insurance against cooking an engine because of unnoticed coolant loss. I would like to see this posted to our website. I will certainly install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a piezo could be obtained with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that please?
>
> Les
>

syncroaustralia · 13 December 2008 02:35

Ken,

You are the author of this information and thus own the intellectual property. You are therefore free to post wherever you wish. My request is that you give the Australian group members the benefit of the coolant alarm system.

(I will follow up the references shortly. Good old Jaycar, I see.)

Les

----- Original Message -----

From: Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 1:28 PM

Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor

Les,

I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there seems to be an unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.

The piezo alarm I used is here ..........

goto: http://www.jaycar. com.au/productVi ew.asp?ID= AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab3456&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=

The 2 float switches I used is here ........

goto: http://www.jaycar. com.au/productVi ew.asp?ID= SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float+ switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=

Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free download onto your computer ... handy eh .....

goto: http://www.ausgamer s.com/files/ download/ html/40359

I got power for the piezo at the switched connector at the coil. Any other q's?

Cheers.

Ken

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com, "Les Harris" <leslieharris@ ...> wrote:
>
> oops...meant to change the subject line and didn't...
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Les Harris
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Digifant has died...
>
>
> Ken,
>
> I have been catching up with the US Syncro group email and have read the details of your excellent system for the safe monitoring of the coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well thought out and very good insurance against cooking an engine because of unnoticed coolant loss. I would like to see this posted to our website. I will certainly install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a piezo could be obtained with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that please?
>
> Les
>

unclekenz · 13 December 2008 07:44

Gday Les and ALL,

Ok by way of background, I posted my alternate solution on the US Syncro.org forum to Tom, a contributor who had volunteered details of his coolant system pressure monitor solution concerning early warning of cooling system failure i.e., sudden loss of coolant that can lead to a cooked motor. Bit of a worry when you're hundreds or thousands of kilometres away from home. Tom invited anyone else to post any other solutions.

So in that context, as requested by Les, here is what I posted back to Tom ........

Gday Tom,

Interesting solution to the age old problem, how to set up an early
warning system that helps avoid cooking the motor due to untimely loss
of expensive coolant. The blinking warning dash light is fine, just so
long as you notice it at exactly the time it starts blinking! In my
view, that's like the chances of winning first prize in the lottery!
Next to zilch.

I fitted supplementary early warning devices in the form of float
switches attached to a piezo audible alarm that has 2 selectable alarm
sounds. One float switch (float drops) I fitted in the side of the
coolant expansion bottle, the alarm triggers when the coolant drops to
about half empty, still gives a buffer of coolant left in the bottle so
you can stop asap to avoid a cooked motor and then trace the problem.

The other float switch (float rises) is fitted in the side of the
overflow bottle, the alarm triggers in 2 scenarios I wanted ... first is
... should coolant start blowing out for whatever reason through the
expansion bottle pressure cap and starts filling the overflow bottle
above the "maximum fill" mark, the alarm triggers ... and then second
is .... I keep the overflow bottle coolant AT the maximum fill mark so
that the alarm only ever triggers momentarily (more reassuring than
anything else) when I do a right-hand turn, the coolant sloshes to one
end (rises) so that briefly triggers the alarm. That's what I want, it's
telling me the coolant is at the correct level and everything is aok ...
no longer need to eyeball the coolant level as often. If the alarm
doesn't sound in that scenario, then I know I need to eyeball/monitor
the cooling system more closely. As they say, forewarned is forearmed.

The single piezo alarm has 2 distinctly different alarm soundings, so it
was simple to wire the float switches so they individually have there
own distinct alarm sound. So when there is a problem and an alarm
triggers, straightaway I know which one is sounding.

So far so good, been in place over a year, but need a few more trips to
determine reliability.

An entirely different solution to yours, both offer additional
protection to the minimalist dash warning light.

Mind you, it's still essential to do the periodic "crawl around under
van" eyeball and touch check (with a headtorch in place) of the coolant
system components. Oh and I don't like just the single spring hose clips
either, where possible, I do double clips, one spring, one screw up.

Cheers.

Ken 11/12/2008

Details/links concerning the components I used are in a previous post today.

My world patent is pending, meanwhile, just shovel CASH into my syncro, next time we meet ... ta

Cheers.

Ken

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris" <leslieharris@...> wrote:
>
> Ken,
>
> You are the author of this information and thus own the intellectual property. You are therefore free to post wherever you wish. My request is that you give the Australian group members the benefit of the coolant alarm system.
>
> (I will follow up the references shortly. Good old Jaycar, I see.)
>
> Les
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Ken
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 1:28 PM
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor
>
>
>
> Les,
>
> I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there seems to be an unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.
>
> The piezo alarm I used is here ..........
>
> goto: http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab3456&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=
>
>
> The 2 float switches I used is here ........
>
> goto: http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=
>
> Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free download onto your computer ... handy eh .....
>
> goto: http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359
>
> I got power for the piezo at the switched connector at the coil. Any other q's?
>
> Cheers.
>
> Ken
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris" leslieharris@ wrote:
> >
> > oops...meant to change the subject line and didn't...
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Les Harris
> > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
> > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has died...
> >
> >
> > Ken,
> >
> > I have been catching up with the US Syncro group email and have read the details of your excellent system for the safe monitoring of the coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well thought out and very good insurance against cooking an engine because of unnoticed coolant loss. I would like to see this posted to our website. I will certainly install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a piezo could be obtained with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that please?
> >
> > Les
> >
>

greg_navarro95 · 16 May 2012 21:56

Hello Ken, Les and members

I am wanting to fit a coolant loss monitor and wondering if people that have fitted the system using the Jaycar parts below are still happy with the reliability or have their been improvements found since this first posting in 2008. Greg

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@...> wrote:
>
>
> Les,
>
> I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there seems to be an
> unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.
>
> The piezo alarm I used is here ..........
>
> goto:
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab345\
> 6&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&pr\
> iceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab34\
> 56&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&p\
> riceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
>
> The 2 float switches I used is here ........
>
> goto:
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float\
> +switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumb\
> er=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=floa\
> t+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNum\
> ber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
> Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free download onto your
> computer ... handy eh .....
>
> goto: http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359
> <http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359>
>
> I got power for the piezo at the switched connector at the coil. Any
> other q's?
>
> Cheers.
>
> Ken
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris"
> <leslieharris@> wrote:
> >
> > oops...meant to change the subject line and didn't...
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Les Harris
> > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
> > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has died...
> >
> >
> > Ken,
> >
> > I have been catching up with the US Syncro group email and have read
> the details of your excellent system for the safe monitoring of the
> coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well thought out and very
> good insurance against cooking an engine because of unnoticed coolant
> loss. I would like to see this posted to our website. I will certainly
> install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a piezo could be obtained
> with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that please?
> >
> > Les
> >
>

syncro · 16 May 2012 22:16

What's wrong with the standard one?

> Greg <greg_navarro95@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> Hello Ken, Les and members
>
> I am wanting to fit a coolant loss monitor and wondering if people that
> have fitted the system using the Jaycar parts below are still happy
> with the reliability or have their been improvements found since this
> first posting in 2008. Greg
>
>
>
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Les,
> >
> > I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there seems to be an
> > unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.
> >
> > The piezo alarm I used is here ..........
> >
> > goto:
> >
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab345\
>
> >
> 6&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&pr\
>
> > iceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> >
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab34\
>
> >
> 56&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&p\
>
> > riceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
> >
> >
> > The 2 float switches I used is here ........
> >
> > goto:
> >
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float\
>
> >
> +switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumb\
>
> > er=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> >
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=floa\
>
> >
> t+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNum\
>
> > ber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
> >
> > Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free download onto
> your
> > computer ... handy eh .....
> >
> > goto: http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359
> > <http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359>
> >
> > I got power for the piezo at the switched connector at the coil. Any
> > other q's?
> >
> > Cheers.
> >
> > Ken
> >
> > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris"
> > <leslieharris@> wrote:
> > >
> > > oops...meant to change the subject line and didn't...
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: Les Harris
> > > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > > Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
> > > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has died...
> > >
> > >
> > > Ken,
> > >
> > > I have been catching up with the US Syncro group email and have read
> > the details of your excellent system for the safe monitoring of the
> > coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well thought out and
> very
> > good insurance against cooking an engine because of unnoticed coolant
> > loss. I would like to see this posted to our website. I will certainly
> > install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a piezo could be
> obtained
> > with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that please?
> > >
> > > Les
> > >
> >

turbovan2001 · 16 May 2012 22:27

piezo alarm sounds interesting.
I see the words 'float switches' ...

I always wanted to run a pressure guage in the cockpit ...reading cooling system pressure.

if pressure starts going down when it shouldn't ..that would indicate a leak somewhere.

if it goes up ..or way up ...that would indicate running much too hot , or even exhaust pressure getting into the coolant, usually at the heads/head gaskets.

I worked on one DOHC 2.5 subaru engine ..it made so much pressure it puffed out a brand new coolant pressure bottle...puffed it out badly.
I also suspect that the blue pressure caps do not releave pressure when they should sometimes.
Normally ...
you'd just have coolant spewing out from too high pressure, when the pressure cap releases.
I'm not convinced the blue pressure caps do.

for anything like this ..a coolant pressure gauge in the cockpit could be quite handy,
loss of pressure, as in coolant loss..
and too high pressure are both things that you'd want to know about.
I'm gonna try it out one of these days.

scott
turbovans

On 5/16/2012 2:56 PM, Greg wrote:

Hello Ken, Les and members

I am wanting to fit a coolant loss monitor and wondering if people that have fitted the system using the Jaycar parts below are still happy with the reliability or have their been improvements found since this first posting in 2008. Greg

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@...> wrote:
>
>
> Les,
>
> I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there seems to be an
> unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.
>
> The piezo alarm I used is here ..........
>
> goto:
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab345\
> 6&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&pr\
> iceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab34\
> 56&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&p\
> riceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
>
> The 2 float switches I used is here ........
>
> goto:
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float\
> +switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumb\
> er=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=floa\
> t+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNum\
> ber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
> Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free download onto your
> computer ... handy eh .....
>
> goto: http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359
> <http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359>
>
> I got power for the piezo at the switched connector at the coil. Any
> other q's?
>
> Cheers.
>
> Ken
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris"
> <leslieharris@> wrote:
> >
> > oops...meant to change the subject line and didn't...
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Les Harris
> > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
> > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has died...
> >
> >
> > Ken,
> >
> > I have been catching up with the US Syncro group email and have read
> the details of your excellent system for the safe monitoring of the
> coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well thought out and very
> good insurance against cooking an engine because of unnoticed coolant
> loss. I would like to see this posted to our website. I will certainly
> install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a piezo could be obtained
> with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that please?
> >
> > Les
> >
>

gregespo73 · 16 May 2012 23:25

There are lots of blue non oem quality caps around that, even when new, don't hold enough or hold too much pressure. I even noticed Just Kampers stopped selling the cheapies in favour of genuine. Greg E

From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <ScottDaniel@turbovans.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Cc: Greg <greg_navarro95@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, 17 May 2012 8:27 AM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor

piezo alarm sounds interesting.
I see the words 'float switches' ...

I always wanted to run a pressure guage in the cockpit ...reading cooling system pressure.

if pressure starts going down when it shouldn't ..that would indicate a leak somewhere.

if it goes up ..or way up ...that would indicate running much too hot , or even exhaust pressure getting into the coolant, usually at the heads/head gaskets.

I worked on one DOHC 2.5 subaru engine ..it made so much pressure it puffed out a brand new coolant pressure bottle...puffed it out badly.
I also suspect that the blue pressure caps do not releave pressure when they should sometimes.
Normally ...
you'd just have coolant spewing out from too high pressure, when the pressure cap releases.
I'm not convinced the blue pressure caps do.

for anything like this ..a coolant pressure gauge in the cockpit could be quite handy,
loss of pressure, as in coolant loss..
and too high pressure are both things that you'd want to know about.
I'm gonna try it out one of these days.

scott
turbovans

On 5/16/2012 2:56 PM, Greg wrote:

Hello Ken, Les and members

I am wanting to fit a coolant loss monitor and wondering if people that have fitted the system using the Jaycar parts below are still happy with the reliability or have their been improvements found since this first posting in 2008. Greg

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@...> wrote:
>
>
> Les,
>
> I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there seems to be an
> unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.
>
> The piezo alarm I used is here ..........
>
> goto:
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab345\
> 6&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&pr\
> iceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab34\
> 56&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&p\
> riceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
>
> The 2 float switches I used is here ........
>
> goto:
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float\
> +switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumb\
> er=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=floa\
> t+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNum\
> ber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
> Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free download onto your
> computer ... handy eh .....
>
> goto: http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359
> <http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359>
>
> I got power for the piezo at the switched connector at the coil. Any
> other q's?
>
> Cheers.
>
> Ken
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris"
> <leslieharris@> wrote:
> >
> > oops...meant to change the subject line and didn't...
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Les Harris
> > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
> > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has died...
> >
> >
> > Ken,
> >
> > I have been catching up with the US Syncro group email and have read
> the details of your excellent system for the safe monitoring of the
> coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well thought out and very
> good insurance against cooking an engine because of unnoticed coolant
> loss. I would like to see this posted to our website. I will certainly
> install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a piezo could be obtained
> with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that please?
> >
> > Les
> >
>

unclekenz · 17 May 2012 02:50

Greg, Scott and ALL,

My audible coolant alarm system, made from Jaycar sourced parts, is still in place. There may be specialised coolant alarm systems available, you'll need to google for them.

Since 2008, I've experienced the expansion tank piezo alarm sounding on two occasions, meaning coolant level had dropped to half empty and was still dropping. Usually due to a coolant hose leak started.

I've since replaced all coolant hoses, but the system is still at risk as I haven't replaced any of the heater hoses, the radiator or heater element plus all other coolant system parts that may suddenly fail. Head gaskets are still as they were when I bought the van, that is, not yet leaking. So I'm happy enough with the function of the audible early warning alarm indicating half empty coolant expansion tank.

However the main function of the overflow tank high level audible early warning remains unproven. Which in a way is good, means the head gaskets are still ok. However I tend to agree with Scott, the ability of the expansion tank blue pressure cap (genuine 2 valve) to adequately relieve an extreme/sudden coolant system high pressure event remains untested/unknown. As an indication though, a report from Frank Condelli during his recent syncro holiday of his experience with high coolant system pressure events. I have extracted pertinent parts below to illustrate the point ...

La Manzanilla – Beach Life !

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Frank Condelli

New Years started off with a bang and I do mean a BANG ! It had been cloudy & overcast for a few days so the solar panel was not keeping up with the demand of the WAECO fridge especially since the fridges cooling fan had died and the compressor was overheating and stalling causing a big drain on the house batteries. In an attempt to charge the batteries with the engine and overheating problem yet to be diagnosed cause the expansion tank, yes the new one from the Bus Depot we installed in Hallendale, EXPLODED, and yes I do mean EXPLODED, see the photos below. Luckily I was nearby and got the to the key to shut the engine down so hopefully no damage was done. A new tank is on its way by DHL from home. A call to Greg and he got one on the DHL transport to Manzanillo so we should have it later this week then we can sort of try to figure out what caused the problem in the first place. Seems at first glance the relief valve in the cap failed to open but then the overflow tank was full? Perhaps the vent in the overflow tank was blocked ? As of now I do not know !

La Manzanilla – Beach Front Update

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Frank Condelli

It’s been a hard days night on the beach. The new cooling tank arrived by DHL no problemo. Installed and almost immediately destroyed itself. The cooling system once again overheated and tried to blow up the new tank. It did manage to expand quite a bit before I got the engine shut down and with a little persuasion was able to remold the tank back to it original configuration and there seems to be no other damage. So what’s the problem ? Well, at that time I sure did not know and it took several days of testing before the whole story got figured out. The engine was overheating because the rad fan would not come on reliably; basically that’s the jest of it. However, it was not so evident at the outset. So the fan would come on once in a while was the problem and when I was not paying attention it would not come on and the cooling system would overheat and the pressure relief valve in the cap could not handle the abrupt surge of pressure so the tank began to expand and eventually explode if it was not caught in time. At first I though the rad fan switch was at fault and it was to some extent. After finding the proper 28mm deep well socket to change it I discovered that the fan still did not come on reliably ! After more digging around to find out why, it seems that the fan being old and sitting in the moist salt air somehow made it improbable to start up reliably each and every time electric current was applied. Spinning the fan by hand got it to start though and it ran correctly. Seeing that there were two holes in the fan motor casing, I sprayed WURTH lubricating film in there and ran the fan for 15 minutes and ever since the fan has come on reliably. As long as the rad fan comes on at the temperature required then the cooling system does not overheat. The rad fan switch burned out the low setting probably because the fan was stalled and the circuit overloaded the switch and burned the contacts, Anyways, now after days of testing and running for 15 to 20 minutes the cooling system does not overheat and operates as it was designed. I will have to be diligent in watching the temp gauge and listening for the fan to come on, as long as it comes on then all should be OK until we get back home and can remove the rad fan and do an overhaul on it. Meanwhile, the whole reason for running the engine in the first place was to try to charge up the aux batteries due to the lack of sufficient charge by the solar panel due to cloud cover, haze, palm trees and not staying in the camp all day to move the solar panel 15 ~ 20 times a day!

*****************************************************************************************************

Franks complete recent holiday experience can be found here, including the picture of the exploded expansion tank ...

Goto: http://frankcondelli.com/travels/

So Franks experience may suggest that for an extreme/sudden pressure event in the coolant system, the blue cap may not be up to the task, unable to vent adequately and quickly enough, hence the exploded tank.

Finally, I find the minor function of the overflow tank audible warning quite useful. When the coolant level is below the level mark on the tank, the audible alarm cannot sound momentarily. I then know it needs topping up and as well, think about checking the coolant system for a leak starting.

Food for thought. Anyone else had a high pressure event in the coolant system and can report here their experiences with it?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com

From: gregespo73@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 16:25:16 -0700
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor

There are lots of blue non oem quality caps around that, even when new, don't hold enough or hold too much pressure. I even noticed Just Kampers stopped selling the cheapies in favour of genuine. Greg E

From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <ScottDaniel@turbovans.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Cc: Greg <greg_navarro95@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, 17 May 2012 8:27 AM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor

piezo alarm sounds interesting.
I see the words 'float switches' ...

I always wanted to run a pressure guage in the cockpit ...reading cooling system pressure.

if pressure starts going down when it shouldn't ..that would indicate a leak somewhere.

if it goes up ..or way up ...that would indicate running much too hot , or even exhaust pressure getting into the coolant, usually at the heads/head gaskets.

I worked on one DOHC 2.5 subaru engine ..it made so much pressure it puffed out a brand new coolant pressure bottle...puffed it out badly.
I also suspect that the blue pressure caps do not releave pressure when they should sometimes.
Normally ...
you'd just have coolant spewing out from too high pressure, when the pressure cap releases.
I'm not convinced the blue pressure caps do.

for anything like this ..a coolant pressure gauge in the cockpit could be quite handy,
loss of pressure, as in coolant loss..
and too high pressure are both things that you'd want to know about.
I'm gonna try it out one of these days.

scott
turbovans

On 5/16/2012 2:56 PM, Greg wrote:

Hello Ken, Les and members

I am wanting to fit a coolant loss monitor and wondering if people that have fitted the system using the Jaycar parts below are still happy with the reliability or have their been improvements found since this first posting in 2008. Greg

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@...> wrote:
>
>
> Les,
>
> I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there seems to be an
> unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.
>
> The piezo alarm I used is here ..........
>
> goto:
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab345\
> 6&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&pr\
> iceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab34\
> 56&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&p\
> riceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
>
> The 2 float switches I used is here ........
>
> goto:
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float\
> +switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumb\
> er=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=floa\
> t+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNum\
> ber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
> Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free download onto your
> computer ... handy eh .....
>
> goto: http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359
> <http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359>
>
> I got power for the piezo at the switched connector at the coil. Any
> other q's?
>
> Cheers.
>
> Ken
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris"
> <leslieharris@> wrote:
> >
> > oops...meant to change the subject line and didn't...
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Les Harris
> > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
> > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has died...
> >
> >
> > Ken,
> >
> > I have been catching up with the US Syncro group email and have read
> the details of your excellent system for the safe monitoring of the
> coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well thought out and very
> good insurance against cooking an engine because of unnoticed coolant
> loss. I would like to see this posted to our website. I will certainly
> install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a piezo could be obtained
> with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that please?
> >
> > Les
> >
>

greg_navarro95 · 17 May 2012 21:33

Thanks Ken

I am very interested in installing this audible alarm as my 3 (nearly) grown up kids are showing interest in taking my beloved Trakka further afield and I want to make the whole experience bomb proof for them and my peace of mind and anything I can do is worth it in my book.

Can you explain for me how you secured the float switch into the expansion tank?
Regards Greg

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Greg, Scott and ALL,My audible coolant alarm system, made from Jaycar sourced parts, is still in place. There may be specialised coolant alarm systems available, you'll need to google for them.
> Since 2008, I've experienced the expansion tank piezo alarm sounding on two occasions, meaning coolant level had dropped to half empty and was still dropping. Usually due to a coolant hose leak started.I've since replaced all coolant hoses, but the system is still at risk as I haven't replaced any of the heater hoses, the radiator or heater element plus all other coolant system parts that may suddenly fail. Head gaskets are still as they were when I bought the van, that is, not yet leaking. So I'm happy enough with the function of the audible early warning alarm indicating half empty coolant expansion tank.
> However the main function of the overflow tank high level audible early warning remains unproven. Which in a way is good, means the head gaskets are still ok. However I tend to agree with Scott, the ability of the expansion tank blue pressure cap (genuine 2 valve) to adequately relieve an extreme/sudden coolant system high pressure event remains untested/unknown. As an indication though, a report from Frank Condelli during his recent syncro holiday of his experience with high coolant system pressure events. I have extracted pertinent parts below to illustrate the point ...
> La Manzanilla Beach Life !Posted on January 11, 2012 by Frank CondelliNew Years started off with a bang and I do mean a BANG ! It had been cloudy & overcast for a few days so the solar panel was not keeping up with the demand of the WAECO fridge especially since the fridges cooling fan had died and the compressor was overheating and stalling causing a big drain on the house batteries. In an attempt to charge the batteries with the engine and overheating problem yet to be diagnosed cause the expansion tank, yes the new one from the Bus Depot we installed in Hallendale, EXPLODED, and yes I do mean EXPLODED, see the photos below. Luckily I was nearby and got the to the key to shut the engine down so hopefully no damage was done. A new tank is on its way by DHL from home. A call to Greg and he got one on the DHL transport to Manzanillo so we should have it later this week then we can sort of try to figure out what caused the problem in the first place. Seems at first glance the relief valve in the cap failed to open but then the overflow tank was full? Perhaps the vent in the overflow tank was blocked ? As of now I do not know !
> La Manzanilla Beach Front UpdatePosted on January 28, 2012 by Frank CondelliIt's been a hard days night on the beach. The new cooling tank arrived by DHL no problemo. Installed and almost immediately destroyed itself. The cooling system once again overheated and tried to blow up the new tank. It did manage to expand quite a bit before I got the engine shut down and with a little persuasion was able to remold the tank back to it original configuration and there seems to be no other damage. So what's the problem ? Well, at that time I sure did not know and it took several days of testing before the whole story got figured out. The engine was overheating because the rad fan would not come on reliably; basically that's the jest of it. However, it was not so evident at the outset. So the fan would come on once in a while was the problem and when I was not paying attention it would not come on and the cooling system would overheat and the pressure relief valve in the cap could not handle the abrupt surge of pressure so the tank began to expand and eventually explode if it was not caught in time. At first I though the rad fan switch was at fault and it was to some extent. After finding the proper 28mm deep well socket to change it I discovered that the fan still did not come on reliably ! After more digging around to find out why, it seems that the fan being old and sitting in the moist salt air somehow made it improbable to start up reliably each and every time electric current was applied. Spinning the fan by hand got it to start though and it ran correctly. Seeing that there were two holes in the fan motor casing, I sprayed WURTH lubricating film in there and ran the fan for 15 minutes and ever since the fan has come on reliably. As long as the rad fan comes on at the temperature required then the cooling system does not overheat. The rad fan switch burned out the low setting probably because the fan was stalled and the circuit overloaded the switch and burned the contacts, Anyways, now after days of testing and running for 15 to 20 minutes the cooling system does not overheat and operates as it was designed. I will have to be diligent in watching the temp gauge and listening for the fan to come on, as long as it comes on then all should be OK until we get back home and can remove the rad fan and do an overhaul on it. Meanwhile, the whole reason for running the engine in the first place was to try to charge up the aux batteries due to the lack of sufficient charge by the solar panel due to cloud cover, haze, palm trees and not staying in the camp all day to move the solar panel 15 ~ 20 times a day!
> *****************************************************************************************************
> Franks complete recent holiday experience can be found here, including the picture of the exploded expansion tank ...Goto: http://frankcondelli.com/travels/
> So Franks experience may suggest that for an extreme/sudden pressure event in the coolant system, the blue cap may not be up to the task, unable to vent adequately and quickly enough, hence the exploded tank.
> Finally, I find the minor function of the overflow tank audible warning quite useful. When the coolant level is below the level mark on the tank, the audible alarm cannot sound momentarily. I then know it needs topping up and as well, think about checking the coolant system for a leak starting.
> Food for thought. Anyone else had a high pressure event in the coolant system and can report here their experiences with it?
> Cheers.
> Ken
>
>
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@...: gregespo73@...
> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 16:25:16 -0700
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> There are lots of blue non oem quality caps around that, even when new, don't hold enough or hold too much pressure. I even noticed Just Kampers stopped selling the cheapies in favour of genuine. Greg E
> From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <ScottDaniel@...>
> To:
> Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Cc: Greg <greg_navarro95@...>
> Sent: Thursday, 17 May 2012 8:27 AM
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> piezo alarm sounds
> interesting.
>
> I see the words 'float switches' ...
>
>
>
> I always wanted to run a pressure guage in the cockpit
> ...reading cooling system pressure.
>
>
>
> if pressure starts going down when it shouldn't ..that would
> indicate a leak somewhere.
>
>
>
> if it goes up ..or way up ...that would indicate running much
> too hot , or even exhaust pressure getting into the coolant,
> usually at the heads/head gaskets.
>
>
>
> I worked on one DOHC 2.5 subaru engine ..it made so much
> pressure it puffed out a brand new coolant pressure
> bottle...puffed it out badly.
>
> I also suspect that the blue pressure caps do not releave
> pressure when they should sometimes.
>
> Normally ...
>
> you'd just have coolant spewing out from too high pressure, when
> the pressure cap releases.
>
> I'm not convinced the blue pressure caps do.
>
>
>
> for anything like this ..a coolant pressure gauge in the cockpit
> could be quite handy,
>
> loss of pressure, as in coolant loss..
>
> and too high pressure are both things that you'd want to know
> about.
>
> I'm gonna try it out one of these days.
>
>
>
> scott
>
> turbovans
>
>
>
> On 5/16/2012 2:56 PM, Greg wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hello Ken, Les and members
>
>
>
> I am wanting to fit a coolant loss monitor and wondering
> if people that have fitted the system using the Jaycar
> parts below are still happy with the reliability or have
> their been improvements found since this first posting in
> 2008. Greg
>
>
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com,
> "Ken" <unclekenz@> wrote:
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > Les,
>
> >
>
> > I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there
> seems to be an
>
> > unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.
>
> >
>
> > The piezo alarm I used is here ..........
>
> >
>
> > goto:
>
> > http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab345\
>
> >
> 6&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&pr\
>
> > iceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
>
> > <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab34\
>
> >
> 56&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&p\
>
> > riceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > The 2 float switches I used is here ........
>
> >
>
> > goto:
>
> > http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float\
>
> >
> +switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumb\
>
> > er=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
>
> > <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=floa\
>
> >
> t+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNum\
>
> > ber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
> >
>
> > Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free
> download onto your
>
> > computer ... handy eh .....
>
> >
>
> > goto: http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359
>
> > <http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359>
>
> >
>
> > I got power for the piezo at the switched connector
> at the coil. Any
>
> > other q's?
>
> >
>
> > Cheers.
>
> >
>
> > Ken
>
> >
>
> > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com,
> "Les Harris"
>
> > <leslieharris@> wrote:
>
> > >
>
> > > oops...meant to change the subject line and
> didn't...
>
> > >
>
> > > ----- Original Message -----
>
> > > From: Les Harris
>
> > > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
>
> > > Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
>
> > > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has
> died...
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > > Ken,
>
> > >
>
> > > I have been catching up with the US Syncro group
> email and have read
>
> > the details of your excellent system for the safe
> monitoring of the
>
> > coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well
> thought out and very
>
> > good insurance against cooking an engine because of
> unnoticed coolant
>
> > loss. I would like to see this posted to our website.
> I will certainly
>
> > install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a
> piezo could be obtained
>
> > with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that
> please?
>
> > >
>
> > > Les
>
> > >
>
> >
>

syncro · 17 May 2012 22:51

I can't really understand the need for this as it will not activate due to a blown hose. It may show up a slow leak if you do not check your coolant levels.

Phill

> Greg <greg_navarro95@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Thanks Ken
>
> I am very interested in installing this audible alarm as my 3 (nearly)
> grown up kids are showing interest in taking my beloved Trakka further
> afield and I want to make the whole experience bomb proof for them and
> my peace of mind and anything I can do is worth it in my book.
>
> Can you explain for me how you secured the float switch into the
> expansion tank?
> Regards Greg
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@...>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Greg, Scott and ALL,My audible coolant alarm system, made from Jaycar
> sourced parts, is still in place. There may be specialised coolant alarm
> systems available, you'll need to google for them.
> > Since 2008, I've experienced the expansion tank piezo alarm sounding
> on two occasions, meaning coolant level had dropped to half empty and
> was still dropping. Usually due to a coolant hose leak started.I've
> since replaced all coolant hoses, but the system is still at risk as I
> haven't replaced any of the heater hoses, the radiator or heater element
> plus all other coolant system parts that may suddenly fail. Head gaskets
> are still as they were when I bought the van, that is, not yet leaking.
> So I'm happy enough with the function of the audible early warning alarm
> indicating half empty coolant expansion tank.
> > However the main function of the overflow tank high level audible
> early warning remains unproven. Which in a way is good, means the head
> gaskets are still ok. However I tend to agree with Scott, the ability of
> the expansion tank blue pressure cap (genuine 2 valve) to adequately
> relieve an extreme/sudden coolant system high pressure event remains
> untested/unknown. As an indication though, a report from Frank Condelli
> during his recent syncro holiday of his experience with high coolant
> system pressure events. I have extracted pertinent parts below to
> illustrate the point ...
> > La Manzanilla �� Beach Life !Posted on January 11, 2012 by Frank
> CondelliNew Years started off with a bang and I do mean a BANG ! It had
> been cloudy & overcast for a few days so the solar panel was not keeping
> up with the demand of the WAECO fridge especially since the fridges
> cooling fan had died and the compressor was overheating and stalling
> causing a big drain on the house batteries. In an attempt to charge the
> batteries with the engine and overheating problem yet to be diagnosed
> cause the expansion tank, yes the new one from the Bus Depot we
> installed in Hallendale, EXPLODED, and yes I do mean EXPLODED, see the
> photos below. Luckily I was nearby and got the to the key to shut the
> engine down so hopefully no damage was done. A new tank is on its way
> by DHL from home. A call to Greg and he got one on the DHL transport to
> Manzanillo so we should have it later this week then we can sort of try
> to figure out what caused the problem in the first place. Seems at
> first glance the relief valve in the cap failed to open but then the
> overflow tank was full? Perhaps the vent in the overflow tank was
> blocked ? As of now I do not know !
> > La Manzanilla �� Beach Front UpdatePosted on January 28, 2012 by Frank
> CondelliIt's been a hard days night on the beach. The new cooling tank
> arrived by DHL no problemo. Installed and almost immediately destroyed
> itself. The cooling system once again overheated and tried to blow up
> the new tank. It did manage to expand quite a bit before I got the
> engine shut down and with a little persuasion was able to remold the
> tank back to it original configuration and there seems to be no other
> damage. So what's the problem ? Well, at that time I sure did not know
> and it took several days of testing before the whole story got figured
> out. The engine was overheating because the rad fan would not come on
> reliably; basically that's the jest of it. However, it was not so
> evident at the outset. So the fan would come on once in a while was the
> problem and when I was not paying attention it would not come on and the
> cooling system would overheat and the pressure relief valve in the cap
> could not handle the abrupt surge of pressure so the tank began to
> expand and eventually explode if it was not caught in time. At first I
> though the rad fan switch was at fault and it was to some extent. After
> finding the proper 28mm deep well socket to change it I discovered that
> the fan still did not come on reliably ! After more digging around to
> find out why, it seems that the fan being old and sitting in the moist
> salt air somehow made it improbable to start up reliably each and every
> time electric current was applied. Spinning the fan by hand got it to
> start though and it ran correctly. Seeing that there were two holes in
> the fan motor casing, I sprayed WURTH lubricating film in there and ran
> the fan for 15 minutes and ever since the fan has come on reliably. As
> long as the rad fan comes on at the temperature required then the
> cooling system does not overheat. The rad fan switch burned out the low
> setting probably because the fan was stalled and the circuit overloaded
> the switch and burned the contacts, Anyways, now after days of testing
> and running for 15 to 20 minutes the cooling system does not overheat
> and operates as it was designed. I will have to be diligent in watching
> the temp gauge and listening for the fan to come on, as long as it comes
> on then all should be OK until we get back home and can remove the rad
> fan and do an overhaul on it. Meanwhile, the whole reason for running
> the engine in the first place was to try to charge up the aux batteries
> due to the lack of sufficient charge by the solar panel due to cloud
> cover, haze, palm trees and not staying in the camp all day to move the
> solar panel 15 ~ 20 times a day!
> >
> *************************************************************************
> ****************************
> > Franks complete recent holiday experience can be found here, including
> the picture of the exploded expansion tank ...Goto:
> http://frankcondelli.com/travels/
> > So Franks experience may suggest that for an extreme/sudden pressure
> event in the coolant system, the blue cap may not be up to the task,
> unable to vent adequately and quickly enough, hence the exploded tank.
> > Finally, I find the minor function of the overflow tank audible
> warning quite useful. When the coolant level is below the level mark on
> the tank, the audible alarm cannot sound momentarily. I then know it
> needs topping up and as well, think about checking the coolant system
> for a leak starting.
> > Food for thought. Anyone else had a high pressure event in the coolant
> system and can report here their experiences with it?
> > Cheers.
> > Ken
> >
> >
> > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@...: gregespo73@...
> > Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 16:25:16 -0700
> > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > There are lots of blue non oem quality caps around that, even
> when new, don't hold enough or hold too much pressure. I even noticed
> Just Kampers stopped selling the cheapies in favour of genuine. Greg E
> > From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <ScottDaniel@...>
> > To:
> > Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > Cc: Greg <greg_navarro95@...>
> > Sent: Thursday, 17 May 2012 8:27 AM
> > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > piezo alarm sounds
> > interesting.
> >
> > I see the words 'float switches' ...
> >
> >
> >
> > I always wanted to run a pressure guage in the cockpit
> > ...reading cooling system pressure.
> >
> >
> >
> > if pressure starts going down when it shouldn't ..that would
> > indicate a leak somewhere.
> >
> >
> >
> > if it goes up ..or way up ...that would indicate running much
> > too hot , or even exhaust pressure getting into the coolant,
> > usually at the heads/head gaskets.
> >
> >
> >
> > I worked on one DOHC 2.5 subaru engine ..it made so much
> > pressure it puffed out a brand new coolant pressure
> > bottle...puffed it out badly.
> >
> > I also suspect that the blue pressure caps do not releave
> > pressure when they should sometimes.
> >
> > Normally ...
> >
> > you'd just have coolant spewing out from too high pressure,
> when
> > the pressure cap releases.
> >
> > I'm not convinced the blue pressure caps do.
> >
> >
> >
> > for anything like this ..a coolant pressure gauge in the
> cockpit
> > could be quite handy,
> >
> > loss of pressure, as in coolant loss..
> >
> > and too high pressure are both things that you'd want to know
> > about.
> >
> > I'm gonna try it out one of these days.
> >
> >
> >
> > scott
> >
> > turbovans
> >
> >
> >
> > On 5/16/2012 2:56 PM, Greg wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Hello Ken, Les and members
> >
> >
> >
> > I am wanting to fit a coolant loss monitor and wondering
> > if people that have fitted the system using the Jaycar
> > parts below are still happy with the reliability or have
> > their been improvements found since this first posting
> in
> > 2008. Greg
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com,
> > "Ken" <unclekenz@> wrote:
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Les,
> >
> > >
> >
> > > I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there
> > seems to be an
> >
> > > unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > The piezo alarm I used is here ..........
> >
> > >
> >
> > > goto:
> >
> > >
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab345\
>
> >
> > >
> >
> 6&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&pr\
>
> >
> > > iceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> >
> > >
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab34\
>
> >
> > >
> >
> 56&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&p\
>
> >
> > > riceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > The 2 float switches I used is here ........
> >
> > >
> >
> > > goto:
> >
> > >
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float\
>
> >
> > >
> >
> +switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumb\
>
> >
> > > er=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> >
> > >
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=floa\
>
> >
> > >
> >
> t+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNum\
>
> >
> > > ber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free
> > download onto your
> >
> > > computer ... handy eh .....
> >
> > >
> >
> > > goto:
> http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359
> >
> > > <http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359>
> >
> > >
> >
> > > I got power for the piezo at the switched connector
> > at the coil. Any
> >
> > > other q's?
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Cheers.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Ken
> >
> > >
> >
> > > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com,
> > "Les Harris"
> >
> > > <leslieharris@> wrote:
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > oops...meant to change the subject line and
> > didn't...
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> >
> > > > From: Les Harris
> >
> > > > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > > > Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
> >
> > > > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has
> > died...
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > Ken,
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > I have been catching up with the US Syncro group
> > email and have read
> >
> > > the details of your excellent system for the safe
> > monitoring of the
> >
> > > coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well
> > thought out and very
> >
> > > good insurance against cooking an engine because of
> > unnoticed coolant
> >
> > > loss. I would like to see this posted to our website.
> > I will certainly
> >
> > > install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a
> > piezo could be obtained
> >
> > > with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that
> > please?
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > Les
> >
> > > >
> >
> > >
> >

bencroft96 · 17 May 2012 23:07

The best coolant loss monitor is the big cloud of white steam bellowing from the rear!lol.You cant miss it!!.
BenC

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, plander@... wrote:
>
> I can't really understand the need for this as it will not activate due to a blown hose. It may show up a slow leak if you do not check your coolant levels.
>
> Phill
>
>
>
> > Greg <greg_navarro95@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Thanks Ken
> >
> > I am very interested in installing this audible alarm as my 3 (nearly)
> > grown up kids are showing interest in taking my beloved Trakka further
> > afield and I want to make the whole experience bomb proof for them and
> > my peace of mind and anything I can do is worth it in my book.
> >
> > Can you explain for me how you secured the float switch into the
> > expansion tank?
> > Regards Greg
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Greg, Scott and ALL,My audible coolant alarm system, made from Jaycar
> > sourced parts, is still in place. There may be specialised coolant alarm
> > systems available, you'll need to google for them.
> > > Since 2008, I've experienced the expansion tank piezo alarm sounding
> > on two occasions, meaning coolant level had dropped to half empty and
> > was still dropping. Usually due to a coolant hose leak started.I've
> > since replaced all coolant hoses, but the system is still at risk as I
> > haven't replaced any of the heater hoses, the radiator or heater element
> > plus all other coolant system parts that may suddenly fail. Head gaskets
> > are still as they were when I bought the van, that is, not yet leaking.
> > So I'm happy enough with the function of the audible early warning alarm
> > indicating half empty coolant expansion tank.
> > > However the main function of the overflow tank high level audible
> > early warning remains unproven. Which in a way is good, means the head
> > gaskets are still ok. However I tend to agree with Scott, the ability of
> > the expansion tank blue pressure cap (genuine 2 valve) to adequately
> > relieve an extreme/sudden coolant system high pressure event remains
> > untested/unknown. As an indication though, a report from Frank Condelli
> > during his recent syncro holiday of his experience with high coolant
> > system pressure events. I have extracted pertinent parts below to
> > illustrate the point ...
> > > La Manzanilla â" Beach Life !Posted on January 11, 2012 by Frank
> > CondelliNew Years started off with a bang and I do mean a BANG ! It had
> > been cloudy & overcast for a few days so the solar panel was not keeping
> > up with the demand of the WAECO fridge especially since the fridges
> > cooling fan had died and the compressor was overheating and stalling
> > causing a big drain on the house batteries. In an attempt to charge the
> > batteries with the engine and overheating problem yet to be diagnosed
> > cause the expansion tank, yes the new one from the Bus Depot we
> > installed in Hallendale, EXPLODED, and yes I do mean EXPLODED, see the
> > photos below. Luckily I was nearby and got the to the key to shut the
> > engine down so hopefully no damage was done. A new tank is on its way
> > by DHL from home. A call to Greg and he got one on the DHL transport to
> > Manzanillo so we should have it later this week then we can sort of try
> > to figure out what caused the problem in the first place. Seems at
> > first glance the relief valve in the cap failed to open but then the
> > overflow tank was full? Perhaps the vent in the overflow tank was
> > blocked ? As of now I do not know !
> > > La Manzanilla â" Beach Front UpdatePosted on January 28, 2012 by Frank
> > CondelliIt's been a hard days night on the beach. The new cooling tank
> > arrived by DHL no problemo. Installed and almost immediately destroyed
> > itself. The cooling system once again overheated and tried to blow up
> > the new tank. It did manage to expand quite a bit before I got the
> > engine shut down and with a little persuasion was able to remold the
> > tank back to it original configuration and there seems to be no other
> > damage. So what's the problem ? Well, at that time I sure did not know
> > and it took several days of testing before the whole story got figured
> > out. The engine was overheating because the rad fan would not come on
> > reliably; basically that's the jest of it. However, it was not so
> > evident at the outset. So the fan would come on once in a while was the
> > problem and when I was not paying attention it would not come on and the
> > cooling system would overheat and the pressure relief valve in the cap
> > could not handle the abrupt surge of pressure so the tank began to
> > expand and eventually explode if it was not caught in time. At first I
> > though the rad fan switch was at fault and it was to some extent. After
> > finding the proper 28mm deep well socket to change it I discovered that
> > the fan still did not come on reliably ! After more digging around to
> > find out why, it seems that the fan being old and sitting in the moist
> > salt air somehow made it improbable to start up reliably each and every
> > time electric current was applied. Spinning the fan by hand got it to
> > start though and it ran correctly. Seeing that there were two holes in
> > the fan motor casing, I sprayed WURTH lubricating film in there and ran
> > the fan for 15 minutes and ever since the fan has come on reliably. As
> > long as the rad fan comes on at the temperature required then the
> > cooling system does not overheat. The rad fan switch burned out the low
> > setting probably because the fan was stalled and the circuit overloaded
> > the switch and burned the contacts, Anyways, now after days of testing
> > and running for 15 to 20 minutes the cooling system does not overheat
> > and operates as it was designed. I will have to be diligent in watching
> > the temp gauge and listening for the fan to come on, as long as it comes
> > on then all should be OK until we get back home and can remove the rad
> > fan and do an overhaul on it. Meanwhile, the whole reason for running
> > the engine in the first place was to try to charge up the aux batteries
> > due to the lack of sufficient charge by the solar panel due to cloud
> > cover, haze, palm trees and not staying in the camp all day to move the
> > solar panel 15 ~ 20 times a day!
> > >
> > *************************************************************************
> > ****************************
> > > Franks complete recent holiday experience can be found here, including
> > the picture of the exploded expansion tank ...Goto:
> > http://frankcondelli.com/travels/
> > > So Franks experience may suggest that for an extreme/sudden pressure
> > event in the coolant system, the blue cap may not be up to the task,
> > unable to vent adequately and quickly enough, hence the exploded tank.
> > > Finally, I find the minor function of the overflow tank audible
> > warning quite useful. When the coolant level is below the level mark on
> > the tank, the audible alarm cannot sound momentarily. I then know it
> > needs topping up and as well, think about checking the coolant system
> > for a leak starting.
> > > Food for thought. Anyone else had a high pressure event in the coolant
> > system and can report here their experiences with it?
> > > Cheers.
> > > Ken
> > >
> > >
> > > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@: gregespo73@
> > > Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 16:25:16 -0700
> > > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > There are lots of blue non oem quality caps around that, even
> > when new, don't hold enough or hold too much pressure. I even noticed
> > Just Kampers stopped selling the cheapies in favour of genuine. Greg E
> > > From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <ScottDaniel@>
> > > To:
> > > Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > > Cc: Greg <greg_navarro95@>
> > > Sent: Thursday, 17 May 2012 8:27 AM
> > > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > piezo alarm sounds
> > > interesting.
> > >
> > > I see the words 'float switches' ...
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I always wanted to run a pressure guage in the cockpit
> > > ...reading cooling system pressure.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > if pressure starts going down when it shouldn't ..that would
> > > indicate a leak somewhere.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > if it goes up ..or way up ...that would indicate running much
> > > too hot , or even exhaust pressure getting into the coolant,
> > > usually at the heads/head gaskets.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I worked on one DOHC 2.5 subaru engine ..it made so much
> > > pressure it puffed out a brand new coolant pressure
> > > bottle...puffed it out badly.
> > >
> > > I also suspect that the blue pressure caps do not releave
> > > pressure when they should sometimes.
> > >
> > > Normally ...
> > >
> > > you'd just have coolant spewing out from too high pressure,
> > when
> > > the pressure cap releases.
> > >
> > > I'm not convinced the blue pressure caps do.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > for anything like this ..a coolant pressure gauge in the
> > cockpit
> > > could be quite handy,
> > >
> > > loss of pressure, as in coolant loss..
> > >
> > > and too high pressure are both things that you'd want to know
> > > about.
> > >
> > > I'm gonna try it out one of these days.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > scott
> > >
> > > turbovans
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On 5/16/2012 2:56 PM, Greg wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Hello Ken, Les and members
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I am wanting to fit a coolant loss monitor and wondering
> > > if people that have fitted the system using the Jaycar
> > > parts below are still happy with the reliability or have
> > > their been improvements found since this first posting
> > in
> > > 2008. Greg
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com,
> > > "Ken" <unclekenz@> wrote:
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > Les,
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there
> > > seems to be an
> > >
> > > > unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > The piezo alarm I used is here ..........
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > goto:
> > >
> > > >
> > http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab345\
> >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > 6&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&pr\
> >
> > >
> > > > iceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> > >
> > > >
> > <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab34\
> >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > 56&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&p\
> >
> > >
> > > > riceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > The 2 float switches I used is here ........
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > goto:
> > >
> > > >
> > http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float\
> >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > +switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumb\
> >
> > >
> > > > er=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> > >
> > > >
> > <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=floa\
> >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > t+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNum\
> >
> > >
> > > > ber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free
> > > download onto your
> > >
> > > > computer ... handy eh .....
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > goto:
> > http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359
> > >
> > > > <http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359>
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > I got power for the piezo at the switched connector
> > > at the coil. Any
> > >
> > > > other q's?
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > Cheers.
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > Ken
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com,
> > > "Les Harris"
> > >
> > > > <leslieharris@> wrote:
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > > > oops...meant to change the subject line and
> > > didn't...
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > > > ----- Original Message -----
> > >
> > > > > From: Les Harris
> > >
> > > > > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > > > > Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
> > >
> > > > > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has
> > > died...
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > > > Ken,
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > > > I have been catching up with the US Syncro group
> > > email and have read
> > >
> > > > the details of your excellent system for the safe
> > > monitoring of the
> > >
> > > > coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well
> > > thought out and very
> > >
> > > > good insurance against cooking an engine because of
> > > unnoticed coolant
> > >
> > > > loss. I would like to see this posted to our website.
> > > I will certainly
> > >
> > > > install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a
> > > piezo could be obtained
> > >
> > > > with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that
> > > please?
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > > > Les
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
>

gregespo73 · 18 May 2012 01:07

Why do you need a float switch when there is already a level sensor? If the level is down the light will flash in your face, if you need more warning piggy back the light circuit with a transistor and piezo. Greg E

From: "plander@optusnet.com.au" <plander@optusnet.com.au>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, 18 May 2012 8:51 AM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor

I can't really understand the need for this as it will not activate due to a blown hose. It may show up a slow leak if you do not check your coolant levels.

Phill

> Greg <greg_navarro95@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Thanks Ken
>
> I am very interested in installing this audible alarm as my 3 (nearly)
> grown up kids are showing interest in taking my beloved Trakka further
> afield and I want to make the whole experience bomb proof for them and
> my

peace of mind and anything I can do is worth it in my book.

>
> Can you explain for me how you secured the float switch into the
> expansion tank?
> Regards Greg
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@...>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Greg, Scott and ALL,My audible coolant alarm system, made from Jaycar
> sourced parts, is still in place. There may be specialised coolant alarm
> systems available, you'll need to google for them.
> > Since 2008, I've experienced the expansion tank piezo alarm sounding
> on two occasions, meaning coolant level had dropped to half empty and
> was still dropping. Usually due to a coolant

hose leak started.I've

> since replaced all coolant hoses, but the system is still at risk as I
> haven't replaced any of the heater hoses, the radiator or heater element
> plus all other coolant system parts that may suddenly fail. Head gaskets
> are still as they were when I bought the van, that is, not yet leaking.
> So I'm happy enough with the function of the audible early warning alarm
> indicating half empty coolant expansion tank.
> > However the main function of the overflow tank high level audible
> early warning remains unproven. Which in a way is good, means the head
> gaskets are still ok. However I tend to agree with Scott, the ability of
> the expansion tank blue pressure cap (genuine 2 valve) to adequately
> relieve an extreme/sudden coolant system high pressure event remains
> untested/unknown. As an indication though, a report from Frank Condelli
> during his recent syncro holiday of his experience with high coolant
> system pressure events. I have extracted pertinent parts below to
> illustrate the point ...
> > La Manzanilla – Beach Life !Posted on January 11, 2012 by Frank
> CondelliNew Years started off with a bang and I do mean a BANG ! It had
> been cloudy & overcast for a few days so the solar panel was not keeping
> up with the demand of the WAECO fridge especially since the fridges
> cooling fan had died and the compressor was overheating and stalling
> causing a big drain on the house batteries. In an attempt to charge the
> batteries with the engine and overheating problem yet to be diagnosed
> cause the expansion tank, yes the new one from the Bus Depot we
> installed in Hallendale, EXPLODED, and yes I do mean EXPLODED, see the
> photos below. Luckily I was nearby and

got the to the key to shut the

> engine down so hopefully no damage was done. A new tank is on its way
> by DHL from home. A call to Greg and he got one on the DHL transport to
> Manzanillo so we should have it later this week then we can sort of try
> to figure out what caused the problem in the first place. Seems at
> first glance the relief valve in the cap failed to open but then the
> overflow tank was full? Perhaps the vent in the overflow tank was
> blocked ? As of now I do not know !
> > La Manzanilla – Beach Front UpdatePosted on January 28, 2012 by Frank
> CondelliIt's been a hard days night on the beach. The new cooling tank
> arrived by DHL no problemo. Installed and almost immediately destroyed
> itself. The cooling system once again overheated and tried to blow up
> the new tank. It

did manage to expand quite a bit before I got the

> engine shut down and with a little persuasion was able to remold the
> tank back to it original configuration and there seems to be no other
> damage. So what's the problem ? Well, at that time I sure did not know
> and it took several days of testing before the whole story got figured
> out. The engine was overheating because the rad fan would not come on
> reliably; basically that's the jest of it. However, it was not so
> evident at the outset. So the fan would come on once in a while was the
> problem and when I was not paying attention it would not come on and the
> cooling system would overheat and the pressure relief valve in the cap
> could not handle the abrupt surge of pressure so the tank began to
> expand and eventually explode if it was not caught in time. At first I
>

though the rad fan switch was at fault and it was to some extent. After

> finding the proper 28mm deep well socket to change it I discovered that
> the fan still did not come on reliably ! After more digging around to
> find out why, it seems that the fan being old and sitting in the moist
> salt air somehow made it improbable to start up reliably each and every
> time electric current was applied. Spinning the fan by hand got it to
> start though and it ran correctly. Seeing that there were two holes in
> the fan motor casing, I sprayed WURTH lubricating film in there and ran
> the fan for 15 minutes and ever since the fan has come on reliably. As
> long as the rad fan comes on at the temperature required then the
> cooling system does not overheat. The rad fan switch burned out the low
> setting probably because the fan was stalled and the

circuit overloaded

> the switch and burned the contacts, Anyways, now after days of testing
> and running for 15 to 20 minutes the cooling system does not overheat
> and operates as it was designed. I will have to be diligent in watching
> the temp gauge and listening for the fan to come on, as long as it comes
> on then all should be OK until we get back home and can remove the rad
> fan and do an overhaul on it. Meanwhile, the whole reason for running
> the engine in the first place was to try to charge up the aux batteries
> due to the lack of sufficient charge by the solar panel due to cloud
> cover, haze, palm trees and not staying in the camp all day to move the
> solar panel 15 ~ 20 times a day!
> >
> *************************************************************************
> ****************************
> > Franks complete

recent holiday experience can be found here, including

> the picture of the exploded expansion tank ...Goto:
> http://frankcondelli.com/travels/
> > So Franks experience may suggest that for an extreme/sudden pressure
> event in the coolant system, the blue cap may not be up to the task,
> unable to vent adequately and quickly enough, hence the exploded tank.
> > Finally, I find the minor function of the overflow tank audible
> warning quite useful. When the coolant level is below the level mark on
> the tank, the audible alarm cannot sound momentarily. I then know it
> needs topping up and as well, think about checking the coolant system
> for a leak starting.
> > Food for thought. Anyone else had a high pressure event in the coolant
> system and can report here their experiences with it?
> >

Cheers.

> > Ken
> >
> >
> > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@...: gregespo73@...
> > Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 16:25:16 -0700
> > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > There are lots of blue non oem quality caps around that, even
> when new, don't hold enough or hold too much pressure. I even noticed
> Just Kampers stopped selling the cheapies in favour of genuine. Greg E
> >

From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <ScottDaniel@...>

> > To:
> > Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > Cc: Greg <greg_navarro95@...>
> > Sent: Thursday, 17 May 2012 8:27 AM
> > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > piezo alarm sounds
> > interesting.
> >
> > I see the words 'float switches' ...
> >
> >
> >
> > I always wanted to run a pressure guage in the cockpit
> > ...reading cooling system pressure.
> >
> >
> >
> > if pressure starts going down when it shouldn't ..that would
> > indicate a leak somewhere.
> >
> >
> >
> > if it goes up ..or way up ...that would indicate running much
> > too hot , or even exhaust pressure getting into the coolant,
> > usually at the heads/head

gaskets.

> >
> >
> >
> > I worked on one DOHC 2.5 subaru engine ..it made so much
> > pressure it puffed out a brand new coolant pressure
> > bottle...puffed it out badly.
> >
> > I also suspect that the blue pressure caps do not releave
> > pressure when they should sometimes.
> >
> > Normally ...
> >
> > you'd just have coolant spewing out from too high pressure,
> when
> > the pressure cap releases.
> >
> > I'm not convinced the blue pressure caps do.
> >
> >
> >
> > for anything like this ..a coolant pressure gauge in the
> cockpit
> > could be quite handy,
> >
> > loss of pressure, as in coolant loss..
> >
> > and too high pressure are both things that you'd want to know
> > about.
> >
> > I'm gonna try it out one of these days.
> >
> >
> >
> > scott
> >
> > turbovans
> >
> >
> >
> > On 5/16/2012 2:56 PM, Greg wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >

> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Hello Ken, Les and members
> >
> >
> >
> > I am wanting to fit a coolant loss monitor and wondering
> > if people that have fitted the system using the Jaycar
> > parts below are still happy with the reliability or have
> > their been improvements found since this first posting
> in
> > 2008. Greg
> >
> >

> >
> > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com,
> > "Ken" <unclekenz@> wrote:
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Les,
> >
> > >
> >
> > > I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there
> > seems to be an
> >
> > > unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > The piezo alarm I used is here ..........
> >
> > >
> >
> > > goto:
> >
> > >
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab345\
>
> >
> > >
> >
> 6&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&pr\
>
> >
> > > iceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> >
> > >
> <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab34\
>
> >
> > >
> >
> 56&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&p\
>
> >
> > > riceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > The 2 float switches I used is here ........
> >
> > >
> >
> > > goto:
> >
> > >
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float\
>
> >
> > >
> >
> +switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumb\
>
> >
> > > er=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
> >
> > >
> <

href="http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=floa\" target="_blank">http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=floa\

>
> >
> > >
> >
> t+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNum\
>
> >
> > > ber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free
> > download onto your
> >
> > > computer ... handy eh .....
> >
> > >
> >
> > > goto:
> http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359
> >
> > > <http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359>
> >
> > >
> >
> > > I got power for the piezo at the switched connector
> > at the coil. Any
> >
> > > other q's?
> >
> >

>

> >
> > > Cheers.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Ken
> >
> > >
> >
> > > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com,
> > "Les Harris"
> >
> > > <leslieharris@> wrote:
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > oops...meant to

change the subject line and

> > didn't...
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > ----- Original Message -----
> >
> > > > From: Les Harris
> >
> > > > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > > > Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
> >
> > > > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has
> >

died...

> >
> > > >
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > Ken,
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > I have been catching up with the US Syncro group
> > email and have read
> >
> > > the details of your excellent system for the safe
> > monitoring of the
> >
> > > coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well
> >

thought out and very

> >
> > > good insurance against cooking an engine because of
> > unnoticed coolant
> >
> > > loss. I would like to see this posted to our website.
> > I will certainly
> >
> > > install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a
> > piezo could be obtained
> >
> > > with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that
> > please?
> >
> > > >
> >
> > > > Les
> >
> > > >
> >
> > >
> >

------------------------------------

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syncroaustralia · 18 May 2012 01:28

Many years ago, my then wife had a Golf. She split a hose one day and did not know until the vehicle was enveloped in a cloud of steam at traffic lights. For many reasons, usually mental preoccupation, people can miss a flashing light, as she did. I fitted a piezo that can’t be ignored by preoccupation. It was some time ago and I can’t remember what I connected it to but it certainly worked.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of greg esposito
Sent: 18 May 2012 11:08
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor

Why do you need a float switch when there is already a level sensor? If the level is down the light will flash in your face, if you need more warning piggy back the light circuit with a transistor and piezo. Greg E

From: "plander@optusnet.com.au" <plander@optusnet.com.au>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, 18 May 2012 8:51 AM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor

I can't really understand the need for this as it will not activate due to a blown hose. It may show up a slow leak if you do not check your coolant levels.

Phill._,___

unclekenz · 18 May 2012 08:52

Hi Greg,

Included with the float switch is a seal & threaded nut that seals and fastens the switch through a clearance hole you drill to any chosen side of the tank. I chose the rear side of the tank, pick a flat part of the nylon side plus decide on the height you want it to trigger at. I decided on about half empty. It all becomes pretty clear what to do after you study the scenario for a short while.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: greg_navarro95@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 21:33:12 +0000
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor

Thanks Ken

I am very interested in installing this audible alarm as my 3 (nearly) grown up kids are showing interest in taking my beloved Trakka further afield and I want to make the whole experience bomb proof for them and my peace of mind and anything I can do is worth it in my book.

Can you explain for me how you secured the float switch into the expansion tank?
Regards Greg

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Greg, Scott and ALL,My audible coolant alarm system, made from Jaycar sourced parts, is still in place. There may be specialised coolant alarm systems available, you'll need to google for them.
> Since 2008, I've experienced the expansion tank piezo alarm sounding on two occasions, meaning coolant level had dropped to half empty and was still dropping. Usually due to a coolant hose leak started.I've since replaced all coolant hoses, but the system is still at risk as I haven't replaced any of the heater hoses, the radiator or heater element plus all other coolant system parts that may suddenly fail. Head gaskets are still as they were when I bought the van, that is, not yet leaking. So I'm happy enough with the function of the audible early warning alarm indicating half empty coolant expansion tank.
> However the main function of the overflow tank high level audible early warning remains unproven. Which in a way is good, means the head gaskets are still ok. However I tend to agree with Scott, the ability of the expansion tank blue pressure cap (genuine 2 valve) to adequately relieve an extreme/sudden coolant system high pressure event remains untested/unknown. As an indication though, a report from Frank Condelli during his recent syncro holiday of his experience with high coolant system pressure events. I have extracted pertinent parts below to illustrate the point ...
> La Manzanilla – Beach Life !Posted on January 11, 2012 by Frank CondelliNew Years started off with a bang and I do mean a BANG ! It had been cloudy & overcast for a few days so the solar panel was not keeping up with the demand of the WAECO fridge especially since the fridges cooling fan had died and the compressor was overheating and stalling causing a big drain on the house batteries. In an attempt to charge the batteries with the engine and overheating problem yet to be diagnosed cause the expansion tank, yes the new one from the Bus Depot we installed in Hallendale, EXPLODED, and yes I do mean EXPLODED, see the photos below. Luckily I was nearby and got the to the key to shut the engine down so hopefully no damage was done. A new tank is on its way by DHL from home. A call to Greg and he got one on the DHL transport to Manzanillo so we should have it later this week then we can sort of try to figure out what caused the problem in the first place. Seems at first glance the relief valve in the cap failed to open but then the overflow tank was full? Perhaps the vent in the overflow tank was blocked ? As of now I do not know !
> La Manzanilla – Beach Front UpdatePosted on January 28, 2012 by Frank CondelliIt's been a hard days night on the beach. The new cooling tank arrived by DHL no problemo. Installed and almost immediately destroyed itself. The cooling system once again overheated and tried to blow up the new tank. It did manage to expand quite a bit before I got the engine shut down and with a little persuasion was able to remold the tank back to it original configuration and there seems to be no other damage. So what's the problem ? Well, at that time I sure did not know and it took several days of testing before the whole story got figured out. The engine was overheating because the rad fan would not come on reliably; basically that's the jest of it. However, it was not so evident at the outset. So the fan would come on once in a while was the problem and when I was not paying attention it would not come on and the cooling system would overheat and the pressure relief valve in the cap could not handle the abrupt surge of pressure so the tank began to expand and eventually explode if it was not caught in time. At first I though the rad fan switch was at fault and it was to some extent. After finding the proper 28mm deep well socket to change it I discovered that the fan still did not come on reliably ! After more digging around to find out why, it seems that the fan being old and sitting in the moist salt air somehow made it improbable to start up reliably each and every time electric current was applied. Spinning the fan by hand got it to start though and it ran correctly. Seeing that there were two holes in the fan motor casing, I sprayed WURTH lubricating film in there and ran the fan for 15 minutes and ever since the fan has come on reliably. As long as the rad fan comes on at the temperature required then the cooling system does not overheat. The rad fan switch burned out the low setting probably because the fan was stalled and the circuit overloaded the switch and burned the contacts, Anyways, now after days of testing and running for 15 to 20 minutes the cooling system does not overheat and operates as it was designed. I will have to be diligent in watching the temp gauge and listening for the fan to come on, as long as it comes on then all should be OK until we get back home and can remove the rad fan and do an overhaul on it. Meanwhile, the whole reason for running the engine in the first place was to try to charge up the aux batteries due to the lack of sufficient charge by the solar panel due to cloud cover, haze, palm trees and not staying in the camp all day to move the solar panel 15 ~ 20 times a day!
> *****************************************************************************************************
> Franks complete recent holiday experience can be found here, including the picture of the exploded expansion tank ...Goto: http://frankcondelli.com/travels/
> So Franks experience may suggest that for an extreme/sudden pressure event in the coolant system, the blue cap may not be up to the task, unable to vent adequately and quickly enough, hence the exploded tank.
> Finally, I find the minor function of the overflow tank audible warning quite useful. When the coolant level is below the level mark on the tank, the audible alarm cannot sound momentarily. I then know it needs topping up and as well, think about checking the coolant system for a leak starting.
> Food for thought. Anyone else had a high pressure event in the coolant system and can report here their experiences with it?
> Cheers.
> Ken
>
>
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@...: gregespo73@...
> Date: Wed, 16 May 2012 16:25:16 -0700
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> There are lots of blue non oem quality caps around that, even when new, don't hold enough or hold too much pressure. I even noticed Just Kampers stopped selling the cheapies in favour of genuine. Greg E
> From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <ScottDaniel@...>
> To:
> Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Cc: Greg <greg_navarro95@...>
> Sent: Thursday, 17 May 2012 8:27 AM
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Coolant Loss Monitor
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> piezo alarm sounds
> interesting.
>
> I see the words 'float switches' ...
>
>
>
> I always wanted to run a pressure guage in the cockpit
> ...reading cooling system pressure.
>
>
>
> if pressure starts going down when it shouldn't ..that would
> indicate a leak somewhere.
>
>
>
> if it goes up ..or way up ...that would indicate running much
> too hot , or even exhaust pressure getting into the coolant,
> usually at the heads/head gaskets.
>
>
>
> I worked on one DOHC 2.5 subaru engine ..it made so much
> pressure it puffed out a brand new coolant pressure
> bottle...puffed it out badly.
>
> I also suspect that the blue pressure caps do not releave
> pressure when they should sometimes.
>
> Normally ...
>
> you'd just have coolant spewing out from too high pressure, when
> the pressure cap releases.
>
> I'm not convinced the blue pressure caps do.
>
>
>
> for anything like this ..a coolant pressure gauge in the cockpit
> could be quite handy,
>
> loss of pressure, as in coolant loss..
>
> and too high pressure are both things that you'd want to know
> about.
>
> I'm gonna try it out one of these days.
>
>
>
> scott
>
> turbovans
>
>
>
> On 5/16/2012 2:56 PM, Greg wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hello Ken, Les and members
>
>
>
> I am wanting to fit a coolant loss monitor and wondering
> if people that have fitted the system using the Jaycar
> parts below are still happy with the reliability or have
> their been improvements found since this first posting in
> 2008. Greg
>
>
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com,
> "Ken" <unclekenz@> wrote:
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > Les,
>
> >
>
> > I can cross post if you don't mind, generally there
> seems to be an
>
> > unwritten rule about cross posting between forums.
>
> >
>
> > The piezo alarm I used is here ..........
>
> >
>
> > goto:
>
> > http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab345\
>
> >
> 6&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&pr\
>
> > iceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
>
> > <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=AB3456&CATID=&keywords=ab34\
>
> >
> 56&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&p\
>
> > riceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > The 2 float switches I used is here ........
>
> >
>
> > goto:
>
> > http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=float\
>
> >
> +switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumb\
>
> > er=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID
>
> > <http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SF0920&CATID=&keywords=floa\
>
> >
> t+switch&SPECIAL=&form=KEYWORD&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNum\
>
> > ber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID> =
>
> >
>
> > Seems the Jaycar catalogue is now available as a free
> download onto your
>
> > computer ... handy eh .....
>
> >
>
> > goto: http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359
>
> > <http://www.ausgamers.com/files/download/html/40359>
>
> >
>
> > I got power for the piezo at the switched connector
> at the coil. Any
>
> > other q's?
>
> >
>
> > Cheers.
>
> >
>
> > Ken
>
> >
>
> > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com,
> "Les Harris"
>
> > <leslieharris@> wrote:
>
> > >
>
> > > oops...meant to change the subject line and
> didn't...
>
> > >
>
> > > ----- Original Message -----
>
> > > From: Les Harris
>
> > > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
>
> > > Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:12 AM
>
> > > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Digifant has
> died...
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > > Ken,
>
> > >
>
> > > I have been catching up with the US Syncro group
> email and have read
>
> > the details of your excellent system for the safe
> monitoring of the
>
> > coolant levels in the MV engine. This is very well
> thought out and very
>
> > good insurance against cooking an engine because of
> unnoticed coolant
>
> > loss. I would like to see this posted to our website.
> I will certainly
>
> > install this on my Syncro. I wasn't aware that a
> piezo could be obtained
>
> > with selectable sounds. Can you elaborate on that
> please?
>
> > >
>
> > > Les
>
> > >
>
> >
>