Diesel Engine Alarm

Forum Forums Tractor Operation And Maintenance Diesel Engine Alarm

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    • #30174
      Bluenoser
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        I was looking for a simple alarm that would let you know if the engine is low on oil and high on temp. While this does not replace periodically checking your gauges, it should add another element of security.

        http://www.colehersee.com/pdf/…../D-544.PDF

        I found it on e-bay. Will install in the next few weeks and see how well it works. The alarm and others from the manufacturer seem to be used in marine applications.

      • #31313
        Tinbender
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          I'm not sure I'd want to know how well it works.hmmm

        • #31315
          Bob Rooks
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            I just replaced my gauges with Murphy Switchgauges. Set lube oil to 10 psig and coolant to 200 degrees.

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          • #31318
            pepage
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              I cut out the union in the tube that goes to the pressure gauge and installed a T and a VW low pressure switch. Have a separate circuit that lights a red light and sounds an alarm when the oil pressure is low. Get to check it every time the dozer is started.

              Phil

            • #31319
              RichWaugh
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                Looks like a good idea to me.  When I get busy mowing or doing other chores with the tractor I can get forgetful about checking the gauges frequently enough.  I'll have to try to find one of those, thanks!.

                5 minutes later:  Found one on Ebay for under $20 with free shipping.  Cheap insurance!

              • #31322
                Jackpine
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                  I'm thinking Bob has the best idea. Installing a WD100 Murphy switch kit monitors the oil pressure and temp. It also shuts down the engine when either is triggered. Depending on how much you want to get involved, there are “more advanced” kits to the Murphy line. The downside is the cost. The other ideas here are less expensive.

                  I'm thinking Phil needs a pretty big alarm over the sound of a dozer.  neener 

                  Here is a link in case you're interested….

                  http://www.fwmurphy.com/wd100/

                   

                  Jack

                  People are hilarious...
                  I'm supposed to choose and be in one of the 2 parties. And NEITHER is worth a damn!

                • #31323
                  Tinbender
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                    I've had a few cars in the past where I put a tee fitting on the oil and temp outlets and used the gauges AND an idiot light to remind me, hey idiot, look at the gauges! These were cars that were street/strip and tended to overheat in traffic. A few of the hot rod product companies make oil idiot light sensors that go on at 15-20 lbs. instead of the factory 5 lbs. Don't know if I would hear a buzzer, guess I would if it was loud enough. ( One of the pleasures of seat time, ya can't hear the cell phone ringing )laugh

                  • #31324
                    pepage
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                      Remember reading some time back that you want the operator to shut off the engine not some gauge. Something about getting out of a dangerous situation first.punch

                    • #31332
                      Carl Darnell
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                        It's hard to beat the Murphy gauges. They are an industry standard and worth the money.

                      • #31343
                        Bob Rooks
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                          Jackpine wrote:

                          I'm thinking Phil needs a pretty big alarm over the sound of a dozer.  neener 

                          I tried a peizo-electric horn, it was too much. Switched to an amber strobe light mounted under the ROPS.

                          I used the same gauges that are included in the WD100 panel.

                          Pics are in the old forum.

                          Account deleted.

                        • #31412
                          Bluenoser
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                            I have a Murphy oil switchgauge on my dozer and it works well. I am going to try this set up on the tractor. The oil sensor should buzz until the oil pressure is up on start up, will proof the temp sensor prior to installing. Will see if there is a way to hook up a light. The prime motivation was cost (less $40 all in, to Canada) and think it is cheap insurance. Had the temp on the dozer go to 100 C last summer, caught it in time, but do not want a repeat and not happen to look down in time.

                          • #31459
                            fido
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                              Duh, as usual, I'm confused. I also would be interested in the Cole Hersee kit, but with its own set of sending units, would I have to delete the originals to use the ports and therefore lose the functioning factory gauges? The Murphy kit sounds like the s*#@! but is a budget issue. Obamanomics ya know.

                              Code 347 CLDTI

                            • #31460
                              SpringValley
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                                No you don't have to do away with the originals.  Put a nipple and a tee in and use both.  That's the common way to do it.

                                Larry

                              • #31464
                                Bob Rooks
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                                  Fido wrote:

                                  The Murphy kit sounds like the s*#@!

                                  What does that mean?? hmmm

                                   

                                  Fido vents:

                                  Obamanomics ya know.

                                  Barak told me to tell you that any temperature sending unit or switch must be immersed in the coolant flow to be effective, and also that he is not to blame for you being on a tight budget.

                                  roflmao

                                  Account deleted.

                                • #31465
                                  Tinbender
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                                    Bob, I think that means he likes them, i.e. they're the Bomblaugh

                                  • #31466
                                    Bob Rooks
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                                      Oh. Never mind.

                                      Account deleted.

                                    • #31479
                                      fido
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                                        Conflicting opinions here Pals ! (Larry & Bob I mean, not Barak) Anyway, in my simple mind I don't see 2 sending units in a tee fitting being immersed in coolant flow. So, back to my initial inquiry, is it either/or for the factory stuff and the Cole Hersee kit? Or am I over analizing.

                                        Code 347 CLDTI

                                      • #31480
                                        RichWaugh
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                                          Well, I ordered the Cole-Hersee setup and I'm planning on installing the dtwo senders as separate units.  I can find another place to tap an oil gallery I'm sure, or tee into the existing since pressure isn't subject to flow issues, and I can find a place to put a second coolant sensor, I'm sure.  If I can't find a suitable existing fitting or plug to use I'll find a place to drill and tap a new hole.  I do agree with Bob that the temperature sensor should be in flowing coolant if at all possible – in any case it has to be submerged in coolant that stays at engine temp.  That may not absolutely rule out a tee fitting but I think it probably would be better to avoid that solution if at al possible.

                                        • #31481
                                          SpringValley
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                                            Fido, when I answered your post I pictured a tee for the oil senders as I have installed them that way  many times for customers.  For the temp you should find a separate place to add the second one.  Let's not forget the other three ways to tell something is not right with your equipment.   Those are sight, sound and smell. laugh

                                            EDIT: 

                                            I just went back and read the part about the temp sender having to be immersed in coolant flow.  That was true on some early electric units.  Then they realized something and that was that it was completely worthless in some cases.  If you lost your coolant (blown hose etc) it would not tell you that engine was frying.  Modern ones will react to dry heat.   I suggested finding a separate place to mount the second temp so you get closer to the heat source for accurate reading.

                                            Would you waste any money on a system that would not tell you that your engine was burning up if you lost your coolant?  I certainly would not.   

                                          • #31482
                                            Bob Rooks
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                                              Fido wrote:

                                              So, back to my initial inquiry, is it either/or for the factory stuff and the Cole Hersee kit?

                                              Nope, you can have it both ways. The oil pressure transducers can be on a tee together. The temperature sensors can be installed in the “run” of a pipe tee where the coolant flow changes direction past the bulb, but usually there is a spare 1/2″NPT plug in the thermostat housing upstream of the thermostat toward the cylinder head.

                                              wink

                                               

                                              Fido wrote:

                                              Or am I over analizing.

                                              Nope. laugh

                                              Account deleted.

                                            • #31633
                                              Bluenoser
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                                              • #31634
                                                Bluenoser
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                                                  I started to install the sensors for the alarm. Above is the temp sensor installed using an existing plug. The 3/8″ NPT sensor fit right in. The engine is a SL4105ABT2.

                                                • #31635
                                                  Bluenoser
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                                                    Here is the install point next to the OEM oil sensor. Used a 1/4″ x 1/8″ NPT bushing to install the sensor.

                                                  • #31642
                                                    Bob Rooks
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                                                      If I understand correctly then, the upper sensor is actually the sending unit for the temp. gauge, and what appears to be a pipe plug you are holding was removed from the hole on the right that now holds the new alarm sensor.

                                                      Note: Using Teflon tape can electrically insulate the sensor from the engine block, rendering it useless. I would test for continuity.

                                                      Account deleted.

                                                    • #31651
                                                      Bluenoser
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                                                        Install – yes.

                                                        Not tape, liquid (paste) pipe dope (only on the last 25% of the threads). Good point, it may insulate, will check. 

                                                      • #31731
                                                        Bluenoser
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                                                          I have installed and tested the alarm. Should work fine. The buzzer is loud enough to here when operating but not to bad on start up. It takes a few seconds for the oil pressure to go up and it stops.

                                                        • #31732
                                                          Bluenoser
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                                                            I installed the alarm behind the dash at this point. Used the screw for the lights to attach the alarm. I had wanted to hook up a light that would flash, however the alarm (buzzer) interfears. It seems louder once attached to the fiberglass dash.

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