Seeking interest in an inexpensive temp warning device
Many of us don't have aftermarket temp guages and rely on the factory unit. The factory unit seems to have 3 stages: cold, normal and overheating! Like most Nissan temp guages, the factory unit doesn't start working until after things have gotten pretty hot. By the time you notice it, it could be too late!
A friend of mine has designed a warning device which wires into your water temp sensor and flashes an LED upon a set trigger point. We have trialled it in many of our cars (z32 300zx's) and it works perfectly. According to the FSM the temp sensor volatge appears to be identical in both zeds and Skylines so the calibrations should work perfectly.
If you are interested, Rob sells a completely built unit with basic instructions for under $50 + Postage Aust wide. For a group buy he will do around $35-40..
Compare this with anything on the market and you'll see its a bargain- especially when it's already been calibrated for our cars, comes complete with all required parts and has the complete wiring instructions all ready to install... Installation should take less than 60 minutes for the average driver. There are only three wires to connect (no wiring into engine bay required).
Rob has put a hell of a lot of research and testing into this device. It is a quality unit. With summer upon us, If you at all concerned about protecting your engine from overheating, it's worth a look!
Here's a reprint of his article below or visit his site
I've built a simple & inexpensive device and installed it as an early warning of potential engine overheat.
I say, ‘potential’ overheat, as the engine can operate quite normally in the 83 to 104-degree range.
Whilst most driving conditions will produce an operating temp around the 83 > 93 level, high ambient air temperatures, low road speed & air-conditioning may contribute to operation well above 93 degrees.
Subsequent loss of coolant at high temps or failure of the thermo-fan may cause a severe overheat situation to develop, as witnessed on a recent cruise.
The OEM 3–stage temperature gauge appears to start moving up from ‘normal’ around 105 degrees and if this occurs out on the open road, by the time one notices any change, it is usually too late.
I’ve calibrated my Temp LED to come ON @ 95 degrees. (It may be set within a range from around 90 to 105).
Coming ON @ 95 degrees provides a visual early warning, and if one were out on the highway at the time, would almost certainly suggest a problem! Around town, (under test), 95 has only been registered many minutes after engine turned OFF, as coolant absorbs latent engine heat.
The Temp LED turns on momentarily as one starts the car, just the same as the ignition/alternator warning light does, unless the engine was already hot (as in para. above), in which case it remains lit until temp reduces below 92 degrees.
If you are interested in knowing more contact Rob direct at
[email protected]
