Airbus

Hi All.
I've just bought a 2017 Titanium 125 Ecoboost and like many people I was surprised at how many modern engines manufacturers don't provide any method of monitoring the coolant level. Especial as its so important these days with engines so highly stressed and running so hot.
Over the next few days I will post my capacitive level sensor setup with pics if anyone is interested. Total cost to me was around £70.

gcfcos

Sounds good mate. I just normally open the bonnet at look at the coolant bottle

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Why should you need a level sensor? Haven't ford cured the coolant issues on the ecoboom engines?

Airbus

Looking under the bonnet at 80mph isn't that easy if a stone hits the rad or a hose goes without the driver knowing.

studabear

Could that only happen to a ecoboost engine then?

Are you spamming to try and sell a product?

Airbus

Can happen to any modern engine with no coolant level sensor. In the old days of cast iron heads you just stopped and let the steam die down and topped up with water. Try that with an Ecoboost. Not selling anything, just sharing an idea.

I had a Zetec SE that leaked from the heater matrix pipe (common I think) didn't spot it at first but was about to do a 80 mile motorway journey and saw pink water on the driveway. That was a close one. Its up to you if you trust the once a week bonnet lift and check.

Airbus

Sensor Siliconed to Exp Tank. So far it has reliably detected a 2cm drop in levels when I siphoned tank under test.

Airbus

Circuit I used to run the warning Leds

Airbus

Sensor fixed with silicone on Tank. Would probably work with any Capacitive sensor with a 20mm + detection range.

Mark V8

iTrader: (2)

Not a bad idea! Could be used on other things like water injection or intercooler spray tank to give you a chance to ease off the throttle.


Are the resistors different values to make the red LED brighter than the green one ?

Airbus

Mark V8. Yes well spotted, green is just a system ok lamp, red is full brightness warning, around 20mA. It can be made simpler by just running the red warning Led on its own but I have all the components at my work so I indulged in the luxury of both.

studabear

Sorry if my previous post came across a bit arsey. That does look interesting tbh. I was imagining some sort of float sensor in the header tank. So does your sensor work in a different way.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Nice one matey. It nice for you to share your idea.

THE RADMAN

iTrader: (2)

theres a recall for a lot of fords coming soon so they can be fitted with a coolant warning system,around half a days work or more ,the wifes st180 will need to go in
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/apps/reca...25821000331F93

smiley

Good idea

Airbus

Studabear. Yes it works by detecting the capacitance change caused as the liquid disappears out of range of the sensor. A bit like a metal detector. I used this idea as it doesn't require hacking into coolant tank and risking creating a leak that wasn't there in the first place.

Airbus

Does the ST have a factory coolant sensor? I guess I could have got an ST sensor fitted if they have an official Ford solution.

smiley

You would think all essentials things would have level sensors factory my v60 I have to piss about with holding a button turning off then on just to check the oil why can't it be just thier on the scroll wheel lol

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

Don't really see the point tbh (clearly neither do manufactures) there must only be a few cars that have them (such examples being high spec Sierra and Granada's).

Martin

smiley

Lol tell that to the guy a bought a 63 plate ecoboost off for £500 after his hose blew off his header for the second time and cooked his engine now a 6.5k car again with £900 16000 mile engine

Airbus

I think the main reason manufactureres avoid the addition of a sensor is the extra cost and false alarm issue they would have with customers. The coolant tank is baffled to help stop water sloshing around but it may still false alarm with a float switch if somebody brakes hard on a steep hill or similar. Doesn't bother me if it does, that just tells me its working ok.

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

Why not just use a dip stick like the good old cars.