Hey all, Like most I like to keep my eyes on the temp of my Z and I grabbed this off eBay the other day. ENGINE WATCHDOG model TM2 ((( Audible ))) Engine Overheating Alarm & Monitor I have installed in my car above where my left leg goes, on the dash. It is really easy to see just below my TWD in direct line of sight through my steering wheel! It has a sensor you just put anywhere on the engine under a bolt where ever you prefer to monitor. I?m setting up at the back of my engine, it updates the temp every 2 seconds has an alarm which you sent the temp for and a red light that comes on also (full protection as long as the stereo is not to loud) only bad is when it refreshes the temp every 2secs mine blinks quickly but hey!! The fellow does not have anymore on the net at the sec but he had a few and they didn?t all sell so if anyone is interested there about $100 in Brisbane. Here is a link ? ?if it works? otherwise let me know. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI...from=R8&satitle=140045583892&category0=&fvi=1 Just thought would pass on.. Can never have enough Z protection
your temp gauge in the dash, where is the sensor for that? i think i'm wrong when i say this, but wouldn't that sensor just monitor engine bay heat? if thats going to be too hot, isn't it already too late for your engine? bit confused now from what i'm reading, seems like a good easy device to have
Yeah second that, i dont think it would be very efficient, what matters is the temp of coolant and all that inside the engine bay galleries, im no expert but it definately does provide a bit more info on the temp and more peace of mind that the Zed is safe :zlove:
Zed4life tested a digital thermometer with thermocouple probe-in-engine-bay about 2 years ago and it proved somewhat unreliable. Mark monitored real-time engine temp via datascan during the tests.
My Theory I have not placed the sensor anywhere just yet, I already have another gauge installed monitoring the coolant temp but as we have heard quite often this does not detect if a hose pops and you loose your coolant, quickly anyway. I just like the fact I can put this at the rear of engine under a tappet bolt or somewhere that is going to be quite warm and fairly accurate then I guess monitor the temp for a week and set the alarm 5-10 degrees above the hottest I see. I really like the gauge as really stands out and the alarm is good where as the TWD and the crappy defi-style aftermarket gauge are quite hard to see while putting round in the sun. I guess that was my biggest concern, I need to get some tint so can see them!! You have to be over protective of these cars as we know and that is one thing that Kzed and Zed4Life tought me first up (there right)! I guess the gauge is good backup at least! I will take a picture of the gauge tonight show what I mean by stand out :zlove:
Yep the probe style digital temp guage which I currently have attached to heater hose hard pipe shows approx 7-10Deg lower than actual temp when engine running but 100% accurate after shutdown and heatsoak conditions (verified by datascan and an accurate coolant temp sensor). Doesn't really help monitor cooling sys probs like a TWD does (TWD gets it's reading directly from the same sensor the ECU uses (Coolant Temp Sensor). But as a trial it was ok. I'd ALWAYS have a TWD as my primary overheat detection but Mudcrab's guage sounds OK as a backup
TWD is awesome as a primary alert to abnormal temp conditions but lacks the ability to inform the user if the temp is continuing to rise because of a problem or just that the load on the cooling system at the moment is too high. The ultimate setup is a TWD in conjunction with a temp gauge, preferably patched into the same sensor as the TWD.
FYI Most owners soon become accustomed to what's causing TWD to come on during normal driving... however you ARE correct Karl. But, there's a solution in hand! Piggy back 2 TWD's, one set at 95, the other at say 100 degrees?
yes I have two TWDs setup at different temperatures, also I had one of them modified to enable the kick in temp to be externally adjustable.
Temp measurement If you wrap the hard pipe and sensor with some insulation it should give myuch cloaser reading as it is the airflow around the hard pipe cooling below coolant temperature.
Picture This is mine installed just below my TWD I like knowing the temp monitor have an alarm! If you hook the TWD upto a speaker some how that would be by far the best solution (for me) and have two like Fleet! But with my TWD whilst driving during the daytime it could be a little hard to see I think if the sun is out Still was one of the best small investments for my car and fully recommended, talk with KZED and get one ASAP if you don?t have one already there only like $60 delivered if he has some! Peace of mind :zlove: :zlove: :zlove:
Dwayne You'll find it very useful for monitoring engine(bay) temps. Next cruiZe we should hook up Datascan and correlate CTS temps. Incidentally, TWD 'DIY build' LINK is in Tech section & new (updated) install instructions added.
sunlight or no sunlight .. YOU WILL know when your TWD activates .. !!! .. intense, bright red, flashing beacon ... from personal experience .... :zlove: :zlove: :zlove: :zlove:
