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autobonrun autobonrun is offline
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Join Date: May 2001
Location: Kansas
Posts: 1,810
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Lightbulb Here's a solution...

Instead of monitoring alternator voltage, monitor the head temperature by placing two multipoint thermocouples on each bank of cylinder heads (six total). Plenty of space behind the fan, just need to attach them so that the tip of the TC is in the fin.

Then take these signals to a high selector which will select and transmit the highest of the six temperatures. With the highest head temperature now available, the signal could then either

1) light a light at a preset temperature
2) drive an indicator which will display highest cylinder head
temperature

or even

3) Connect the switch to a relay that will shut off the car. Temperature switches are available with multiple setpoints so that at the lower setpoint, the light would come on and at the higher the car would shutdown. This way it would be no surprise and possible save a $5K rebuild.

You could probably assemble all the parts for less than $350. Other than fixing the thermocouples to the head fins, the remainder would not be that complex. Fish the thermocouple lead wires out into the engine compartment and mount the signal selector and switch there.
Old 07-29-2002, 06:09 PM
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