Hi Fellow Zedders, My Car has been fitted with a temperature warning device (before I got it) and today the weather is the hottest its been since I've owned it, now I've read the tech section which says the device is set to flash at 95 degrees so the ambient temperature gauge on my a/c says its 45 degrees outside, ( i suppose at the front sensor behind the bumper) So after a little bit of stop start town driving the TWD stars flashing. after going to various places stopping the engine and going to the next place the light doesn't stop flashing but the stock temp gauge remains stable at half way and seems to be working properly, I understand the engine operating temp can be up to 110 degrees. so after all that explanation my question is: For those of you that have these TWD fitted is it normal to drive around all summer with these things flashing away?, it's a bit uncomfortable thinking i could be cooking my car. also can they be adjusted to be at 99 degrees? Thanks for your feedback Bruce
Honestly bin that thing, waste of money. Buy a decent quality water temperature gauge so you can see exactly how hot it is. Some people as I've read it here before say "the light flashing catches your eye" but what is so hard about looking at a real temp gauge that gives a proper reading?
Firstly, dont rely on your stock gauge. Coolant temps can be well in excess of 100-degrees and the gauge hasnt moved. Ambient temperature readings shouldnt be relied on at all either, plays no real part in your coolant temperatures. TWD's are based on resistance of the CTS and corresponding harness. Unless its been calibrated/adjusted to your specific car, its not accurate. Should be considered an indication only. Naturally, in summer, your operating temperatures will rise. Varying factors will determine as to how much- condition of cooling system (radiator, thermostat, water pump, UD pulley) Intercooler type- FMIC or SMICS A/C- Climate control operating will see your temperatures rise. These are only further compounded with a TT, having higher underbonnet temperatures. IF the TWD doesnt cease flashing after 2-3min of driving, would consider it cause for alarm. Some will say 95-degrees is a healthy operating temperature, others will differ. Mine is set for 90-degrees, and doesnt see those temperatures. First point of call is to check coolant levels, preferrably with the front of the vehicle elevated. Then fit ECUtalk or a reliable aftermarket temperature gauge, to see where your operating temperatures actually are. If concerned, turn your A/C off, and temps should drop within a few minutes also.
I wouldn't be without one, have it fitted to the OEM temp gauge, unless your aftermarket has an alarm built in, it could easily go high with out noticing it in the position under the head unit, I like having a red light on the dash, eyes are up and down regularly checking speed, your going to see it. Is your main fan behind the radiator locked up ? With the engine stopped ( ) just after observing TWD flashing, is the fan stiff or does in move easily ?
Between a TWD, and an ECU talk with the temp alarm setting activated, no one should overheat. As for stop start traffic or short trips, heat-soak becomes an issue, and can lead to issues if your coolant is low, your cap is faulty, or your overflow system is not working properly. I knocked 4 degrees off my coolant temps by getting a new viscous fan. It's a great start to make sure that everything is working OK. OZX, ambient temp IS related to coolant temp, and has a somewhat linear relationship with coolant temps (decreased efficiency of the heat exchanger, for example). But on the same hand, saying that because it's 37 degrees out, temps will be in the >90 range is foolish.
keep your TWD. Although you may see it come on a fair bit in the summer, there will be a winters day when you'll pop a hose and your TWD will save you. We might look at our temp gauges every once in a while, but a flashing light in your face will catch your attention and save your engine. The ECU talk is a also a good addition as it has user set audible alarms for various conditions including high coolant temps.
If your TWD is correctly set and is coming on, your cooling system needs to be looked at. The cooling sytem should never go above 95 degrees, if it does, it has a problem.
It saved the engine in Silver one week after I put it in. I had a leak in the coolant line to the left turbo and things got very hot very quickly If it comes on in summer turn the aircon off and you will drop 10 degrees
Thanks for your replies Some of you may know this car as it used to be K-Zeds, when Rob had it the viscous fan was replaced, radiator end tanks replaced, water pump replaced and the radiator cap looks new. A month ago i changed the coolent and burped it so i don't think there's any air in it. I guess i better find out what the temp really is, where can i buy ecu talk like this http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296584 also does having the electric fan come on whenever the a/c is on help? cheers Bruce
i dunno what it's set at maybe if he sees this he could let me now. Eric i just edited the last post asking about the electric fan cheers
Try Newkleers website www.ecutalk.com. I think Rob used to set them around 93 degrees. I have both in silver. I would not want to drive around without them. TWD gives the first warning. Then you check if it is serious with the ecutalk
from memory, Rob's zed always ran at slightly higher temperatures than the usual Zed. Contrary to what has been said elsewhere above, the TWD is the best and cheapest insurance you can have to protect your engine ... ignore it at your peril .. and yes, Stef they were set at 93 degrees. the TWD in Black Bess has saved me twice .. once a heater core and then a faulty Rad Cap .... Blue Zed has been saved once with a leak in the Rad hard pipes .... Search facility will show at least 40 'SAVES' ... if that does not convince the doubters, then good luck ... !!!!
Don't think he had it set lower, but I know that he saw it come on alot (always used air con) in the gold coast summers
The TWD I had was set to come on at 95*. Not uncommon for it to come on on startup on a hot day (heat soak) but if it's on constantly while you're driving you may have a problem. That said there have been incidents of malfunctioning TWDs (customtt for eg) causing false alarms. Find a mate with ECU talk or conzult and find out what temp your CTS is actually reading when the TWD is on.
TWD saved my engine when the fan clutch was stuffed... air con on in nearly 40deg day. Checked temperature with Datascan and was at 103+deg. Pulled over and let the car cool down a little, continued the journey with air con off and one eye glued to the TWD warning light. A TWD is the best thing you can fit on the Z32 especially if the plenum cooling has not been bypassed to eliminate those stupid small hoses located in the most awkward of places. Peter
would be nice not to be too scared to use aircon on a hot day, after all that's what its for. maybe i'll invest in some discreet bonnet vents Bruce
Did you check your fan clutch ? Mine is a fresh build, radiator etc, and i prefer not to use aircon in stop start, temps 7-8 degrees higher with aircon, getting up towards 90 in a mild weather test, turn aircon off no problem, goes back down to low 80's within a few minutes. The only thing I need to do is my fan clutch, that should help bit hopefully. Why not lock the bastard up ? Noise, small lose of power, load at high RPM ?
yeah I checked it, The viscous hub was replaced not that long ago by the previous owner, anyway I don't know if this is right though cause there is no change in the feel or hardly any, when cold the fan feels like it has a slight drag on it if I spin it it doesn't keep spinning, when hot it's a little bit stiffer to turn. I also bought one of these http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-...834?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item519bc8fab2 so I'm gunna use it to see what ambient temps are like, i shoved the sensor under the a rubber sleeve on the top radiator hose,I know it's not as accurate as a real coolant gauge but does anybody have any ideas how much different the temp of the top hose would be compared to the coolent? what do ya reckon? ... Bruce
