The Best High Tempurature Alarm?

Hi Ross,
I have tested the low coolant level alarm by emptying the radiator header tank.
I have tested the unit’s temperature alarms with both sensors dipped in an electric kettle of boiling water. They are within a degree's variation of each other.

I don’t intend to raise the diesel’s cooling system to boiling point by deliberately lowering the coolant. I don’t think that’s very wise.

For me it doesn’t matter which sensor responds first or which is the quickest – it’s a belt and braces approach. If this system has a risk of failing there is not much I can do about it.

It’s the best system I can think of for around $400.
Do you have an alternative?

G'day Dennis
I wouldn't want the engine to boiling point, I presume you mean of water and not coolant. In fact I want to be warned before it gets to boiling so a test in boiling water is a test. but it means the engine has to get to that too to make the water/coolant (which won't be boiling) that hot.

Having coolant loss detection and also the temp warning of the block is also a good backup.

I would like to have a temp sensor in the bottom tank so I know how close to maximum ability the system is running at and when towing/heavy loads it will indicate the closeness to the max which the system is operating.
This is particularly important if the truck is also an auto and the auto heat is being dumped into the bottom tank as well. Then engine load/heat output and auto heat output can abruptly raise the cooling system temp when the hill appears or the tail wind changes things.

Being able to track or have warning of that is, to me a primary thing.

The triple ability you have is quite ok but there is more in the early warning aspect if you are monitoring or require the awareness as the triple is sort of after the fact not during the occurrence.

All the best with it. Many have nothing much at all.

Ross M

Hi Ross
My alarms are set at 85 degrees – just running around town at the moment.
I will reset them once I have been running with various loads in hot weather.
I am happy with the placement of the sensors as recommended by the manufacturer.

Thanks for the info

Hi Ian,
I am sure your system is quite suitable and covers most situations.
I tend to go overboard with this sort of stuff.
Thanks for the info about the low coolant alarm’s operation in actual operating conditions – it should address Ross M’s concern.

Hi Danny and June,
I had a look at the TM1.
Cheap enough but it didn’t monitor the range of conditions I wanted.
Thanks for the info