Coolant level warning with pics and wiring

[philmgf]

Hi peoples here is the coolant level warning device ive managed to sort out. I have wired it up and tested it and works fine .
The 12v supply is wired through the ignition so when you turn the key you get 1 very small beep. This tells you that you have supply to the module.
If the level is ok then you will hear nothing else.
however if the coolant is low on starting the car the buzzer sounds continuously until the expansion tank is topped up.
If the coolant drops whilst driving and the coolant stays low for more than 10 seconds (adjustable via the potentiometer) then the coolant warning buzzer sounds continuously until the ignition is switched off and the coolant is replenished.
if the coolant level drops slightly because of tha car cornering (say on a roundabout) then the buzzer doesnt sound because the level rises again before the adjustable 10 seconds has been achieved.

the parts are as listed
circuit board from cpc/farnell code number HK00260
level sensor from maplins or cpc
12v buzzer maplins
mounting abs box from maplins.
here are the pics of the circuit board and wiring.




Hope you find these useful and if it saves an hgf then well worth the relatively small cost.
Have fun,
Phil

[Aiketgate]

Well done, Phil!

A very useful bit of work there.

I've been banging on about fitting low level alarms for ages, and your diagram including a timer circuit means that self installation of a practical system should be within most peoples' ability.

Have some rep.

One question. Is the timer circuit board ready assembled? Or would I need my trusty soldering iron?

David

[Michiel.B]

well done! I've used someting similar, Works a treat

[adamelphick]

Originally Posted by Aiketgate

Well done, Phil!

A very useful bit of work there.

I've been banging on about fitting low level alarms for ages, and your diagram including a timer circuit means that self installation of a practical system should be within most peoples' ability.

Have some rep.

One question. Is the timer circuit board ready assembled? Or would I need my trusty soldering iron?

David

Voila:

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/search/pr...equestid=54935

[Michiel.B]

I used this one:

http://www.conrad-uk.com/goto.php?artikel=195901

You have to get your soldering iron out though

[philmgf]

The module is already built up which is going to be easier for the average diy'er as soldering can quite easily go wrong with tracks lifting etc due to excessive heat and also components being soldered in the wrong way round.
one of the reasons I chose this module.f anyone wants to get the parts and is unsure what to do feel free to pm me and i will ring you and explain over the phone.

To keep the wiring down there is probably an ignition switched live 12v feed in the engine bay somewhere to tap into for the supply.
I will look at the diagrams and give you as location and wire colour to use .
regards phil.
PS thanks for the comments guys.

[Michiel.B]

You can use a PR wire from the boothinge wiring loom. They give 12v. wheen the boot is closed and 0 V wheen it's open. Quite convenient as when you stop and open the boot the annoying beeper stops

[philmgf]

Absolute star, how good is that to use. Is that the same on "F"s and "TF's"

[Michiel.B]

Originally Posted by philmgf

Absolute star, how good is that to use. Is that the same on "F"s and "TF's"

Don't know about that acutally... But a quick check with a multimeter would tell..

[Rob Bell]

Nice work. One question - how is the float mounted in the coolant tank? Would it be better to use the MG Rover float-equipped tank instead?

[philmgf]

there are two types of float available both needing a hole drilling in the tank. both float switches come with a sealing washer .
the one in the picture is mounted in the top of the tank pointing down whereas some can be mounted in the side of the tank.
I don't know if you could use another rover tank due to mounting problems but i'm sure it could be modified to fit with brackets.
where there is a will there's a way
regards,
Phil

[Michiel.B]

I Bought the original MGR tank and sensor. It cost about £ 35 from Rimmers.

[Rob Bell]

35 quid from Rimmers is not unreasonable - but Phil's budget busting plan looks very attractive! Do you have any pictures of your completed installation?

[Michiel.B]

Originally Posted by Rob Bell

35 quid from Rimmers is not unreasonable - but Phil's budget busting plan looks very attractive! Do you have any pictures of your completed installation?

No but If you want I can make one for you. It's pretty much the same setup as Dieter uses on his website with exception of the delay timer.

[Pendle Lass]

what a brill idea.... well done

[MGFmad]

Excellent work - another project for the 'to do' list

[philmgf]

I mounted the board into the box using double sided number plate tape as it has foam to absorb vibration.
I then drilled a hole big enough to take the buzzer and siliconed it in but you could use just strong gaffer tape across the back of the buzzer.
I then drilled a smaller hole in the side and inserted a grommet to take the supply, earth and float sensor wires.
The file attatched is a quick video of the unit working before assembly into the car. Im not sure wether to extend the wires and mount it in the car itself behind the drivers seat somewhere or mout it near the coolant tank. The buzzzer is fairly loud so should be able to hear it from the engine bay.

http://s684.photobucket.com/albums/v...coolantvid.flv

[philmgf]

here's the link.
http://s684.photobucket.com/albums/v...coolantvid.flv

[S!NGH]

Hi Phil,
Is it OK to buy this item from ebay, rather than spending £9 at maplins?

[msunduzi]

Originally Posted by S!NGH

Hi Phil,
Is it OK to buy this item from ebay, rather than spending £9 at maplins?

I'm not Phil, but I would say no.

The operating temperature is too low