KEEPING THEM RUNNING ' ca.*
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's long-distance transport ions often result in a vehnning non-stop for almost miles. It is obvious that these periods there are mechanical failures which occur, ultimately resulting lensive repairs. Two of the vulnerable items on it-day, high-performance engines are the external d water pipes: when either ?se fracture the resulting ge is often done before the gets wind that anything is a bottom water hose, for Ice, that partially fails, so ng a slight water leak to ap. Even with the system low pressure of 3 to the coolant is soon !d away from the cylinder and the hottest portionsips—of the cylinder bores.
is not until the temperaauge shows a dramatically sed reading or steam is td in large quantities that Inver will be aware that thing is amiss, by which t's too late.
same thing applies to loss ricating oil. Once the sump depleted that oil pressure iff it is a safe bet that even pressure drop is noticed diately, bearings and is will have already had rather thirsty moments.
3 obvious answer is a devwarn when the contents of cooling systems or lubri] oil surnps are lower than esired level. Such a device needs to be foolproof, cheap and easy to fit.
Just such a unit, introduced by J. B. Associates, 29 High Street, West Glossop, Derbyshire, is the Level-Alarm: It gives visual or audible warning if the liquid in any container to which it is fitted falls below a predetermined level.
Made from ICI Kemetal, the unit comprises a small cylindrical shaped chamber in which is car
tied a float. Around the float is a ferrous metal strip; beneath the chamber in a sealed compartment is a magnetic switch. When the float level falls to within Ain. above the magnet, the ferrous strip activates the magnet and causes the switch to close, so completing the warning circuit.
The unit can be sweated, brazed, cemented or tapped into any container and will withstand temperatures of up to 130deg C. The switch has a current capacity of 0.2amp at 24V and costs 35s complete with a warning light.