Which Engine Temperature Alarm? Watch Dog or Gardian ???

Submitted: Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 18:04
ThreadID: 91661 Views:13138 Replies:8 FollowUps:8
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Ok everyone, a question for Saturday night.. I'm looking at engine temp alarm. Two units stand out as being what would be acceptable for my Patrol, one being the Australian made Engine watchdog and the Engine Guardian from the U.S. The Watchdog has an engine sensor and a low oil pressure output and the Guardian has several other features like other user outputs, start up and bump up features, and I have to say, it looks a little nicer in the aesthetics department. So who has used one of these two units and who considered both before making a choice and who is happy with their choice and why.. I have a home grown low water alarm which works well so I'm really just interested in the thermocouple style, block temperature monitoring. Thank you in anticipation. Michael





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Reply By: olcoolone - Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 18:10

Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 18:10
Engine watch dog for sure..... have a look at the MKII.
AnswerID: 476873

Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 19:14

Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 19:14
I've had the engine watchdog in my LC100 for about 12 months - seems totally reliable - consistent readouts while mobile - the alarm works fine and it's threshhold setting is very easily adjusted. My sensor is shielded and bolted to the head, near the front.
AnswerID: 476876

Follow Up By: Member - bungarra (WA) - Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 19:41

Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 19:41
I second that...mine has been in for 3 years and all seems stable and working well.
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Follow Up By: Mick O - Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 19:50

Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 19:50
Me third. It fits perfectly into the rectangular blind that was for provision of the 79 series clock....that never eventuated lol.



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Follow Up By: On Patrol & TONI - Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 19:51

Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 19:51
HI Michael
I third that, had mine for 3-4 years and trust it with my TONI conversion, I am a beliver in the KISS principal and the watchdog fits that bill perfectly.
Cheers mate, Colin
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Follow Up By: Member - Keith C (NSW) - Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 19:55

Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 19:55
Me too. easy to install, Aussie made as well.
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Reply By: garrycol - Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 20:15

Saturday, Feb 04, 2012 at 20:15
I have the TM2 combo version of the Watchdog - so have the block temp feature as well as the low water alarm feature - both work great and you can see how much the water temp varies while the actual metal temp in the engine stays relatively stable.

Garry
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Reply By: Member - John - Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 03:27

Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 03:27
G'day, just in case you are looking for a two input unit, Guardian is listing a new two input unit tomorrow, can control three relays and has a low oil pressure alarm. No idea of cost sorry. TM2 can have two or more inputs, but has to be extrenally switched. Extra inputs from TM are $30.00. No association with either company.
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Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 06:57

Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 06:57
Thank you everyone for your time and input, i guess the answer is clear. One point, i was going to mount a unit on top of my steering column, just in front of my Speedo/Tacho, can you see the LED display with the sun on it and is it too bright when at night?? I assume the LED brightness is not user selectable!! Thanks again everyone. regards Michael




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Follow Up By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 09:32

Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 09:32
Mine sits in the space formerly occupied by the ash tray, at the base of the dash, just in front of the gear shift (no drills - no screws used - just held in place by some compressed foam - I like to keep the car as original as possible, for resale). Everytime I look at the unit, day or night, the display is easy to read. Up on the dash or column would be an issue I'm sure, in strong light.
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Follow Up By: Trev6 - Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 15:39

Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 15:39
I have a watch dog in my cruiser and it works well , I think that you would find it far to bright on the steering column at night as the numbers are quite large and the led's emit quite a lot of light. I have mine stuck on with double sided mounting tape it's placed down low just in front of the gear stick. Belive me the alarm will definetly let you know if there is a problem, just ask my kids LOL.

Trev.
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Reply By: Member - Bucky - Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 07:09

Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 07:09
Michael
We run an Engine Saver.

It uses the coolant to complete the curcuit.
They are simple and brilliant.
Remember that no coolant, means no temperature.

Engine Saver ... Click here
AnswerID: 476928

Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 07:30

Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 07:30
Gday Bucky!! I made my own low water set-up and works a treat, i think it is more important than the engine temp unit. If i lose a cup of water, alarm on, so much better than losing all the water!! I just thought it time to have a better temp gauge now.. regards Michael

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Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 16:38

Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 16:38
Bucky !! Sorry , i misunderstood you!! I will check it out,, thank you, Michael


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Reply By: Member - Rodney B- Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 09:34

Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 09:34
I've got the Engine Saver on my 80 series petrol as well and had it now for 3 years with no problems. Heat sensor on the back of the block and water sensor in the top hose. Can measure the difference just climbing a hill so gives a great sense of confidence and no chance of running out of water or boiling.
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Reply By: nick - Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 13:27

Sunday, Feb 05, 2012 at 13:27
I usually use Watch dog TM2's but this time went for an Engine Guardian simply because they look better, more slimline and easier to install(due to shape/slimline).
Both units seem to work about the same.
AnswerID: 476982

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