Date:         Thu, 1 Feb 2001 17:32:23 EST
Reply-To:     Dagbear@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rico Dagastino <Dagbear@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Cooling System Pressure Gauge
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

There has been much discussion on the list lately about installing a pressure
gague to monitor the pressure in the cooling system to detect unnatural
increases in cooling system pressure.  A simpler modification to detect loss
of cooling system pressure as a result of catastrophic hose failure, etc.,
would be to install a pressure sensor in one of the bleed lines in the engine
compartment.  A sensor used for detecting oil pressure would probably be
compatible.  Install an LED with a resistor to drop the voltage to an
acceptable level.  Install a switched power source which energizes when the
key is in the run position.  Run a wire from the LED to  the connection on
the sensor.  To accomplish an acceptable ground for the sensor mount it in a
small hole drilled in the firewall forward of the engine.  Using a hose barb
screwed to the fitting on the sensor, attach a length of hose to connect the
sensor to a "T" installed in one of the bleed lines.
   Analog or digital gauges require monitoring to be effective.  A bright LED
would immediately attract attention.

Rico Dagastino
Munford, TN