Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Guys, what are the options for the 4.8? Built my own for my 3.9 in the Landy but getting too lazy now and don't see a need for a whole Madman system on the 4.8(?). Was thinking maybe of the Australian engine saver? Anyone know it or used it?

Do u just want to monitor water level?

Tinus lotz wrote:Do u just want to monitor water level?

Hi Tinus, yes. I had a self- testing alarm in my Disco. Set off. A buzzer as soon as the header tank level ( highest pount in the Disco system) dropped. Something similar wanted here.

Good idea like the sensor in a golf bottle

Tinus lotz wrote:Good idea like the sensor in a golf bottle

Something like that. The later Range Rover had a float sensor built into the header tank cap. The tread and cap diameter was the same as on my Discovery. So I used that, a resistor and a very sensitive relay. Under the dash I inserted a buzzer and on the dash I put a simple toggle switch. The relay is a normally closed one. When you flip the toggle switch to the "off" position (the labels being reversed so that in fact you were completing the circuit) it will supply only just enough power to open the relay and hold it there when you switch it back to the "on" position, switching off the buzzer. The nett effect is that if either the circuit is damaged in some way or the water levels drops, the circuit is broken, the relay closes and the buzzer goes. When you turn the ignition on, the buzzer goes off so you then have to flip the toggle switch off and then on again to silence it, establishing on each occasion that the system is working properly. Just about completely fail safe, the electrickery also being in a sealed water and dust proof housing. The whole is quite sensitive and ought to be temporarily switched when navigating very steep inlines or declines off road, to avoid false alarms. I have never had a cooling system failure but it gave me much peace of mind indeed. It is something that is, in my view, essential to all engines. A petrol engine may run a few minutes on the open road without water before it seizes up. With a turbo-diesel you normally have seconds to severe engine damage, which is why with the latter an automatic shut down system may be advisable, even at the cost of turbo bearing oil starvation. The big worry with automatic shutdowns is the possible danger it may create in certain situations - but perhaps that is all moot if the engine will seize anyway.

As a point of interest, I asked Graham if, while he is fitting the ARB bull bar to my car he could also fit a coolant loss sensor. Graham tells me that it is unnecessary as the 4.8 GRX has a cylinder head temperature sensor and that once it reaches 155°, it automatically switches off the engine to prevent damage. I had no idea but suffice to say that I am not going to bother with the coolant loss sensor then.

Graham also tells me that the 4.8 has a very sophisticated electronic management system and that one should really leave it well alone.

For what it is worth.

Madman sells a coolant level detection device: http://madman.co.za/index.php/products1 ... ector-v2-0

Pity is doesnt also measure temperature...

That will work great idea ..... perfect for older petrol engines especially the 4.8

Well, yes but the point is that the 4.8 doesn't need it. Its already got a self protection mechanism built in.

Might be a good add-on for a 4.5 or a 4.2...