elbekko Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Since I don't trust the temperature sender at the thermostat in the slightest, nor do I trust the gauge in the dash, I was thinking of using the EGR temperature sender on top of the cylinder head to get some sort of accurate reading. Because for all I know, with its tendency to overheat lately the cylinder head may be banana-shaped by the time the gauge rises... Now, it seems to be pretty hard to find any actual data on what resistance values this sensor (ERC2081) has at what temperatures. I did find this interesting post, but that topic confuses me a bit (it may be because of the rather late hour ) and I'm not sure that's actually related to that sensor. I was thinking of using a PIC or something that drives a little display I have laying about (might as well use it, right?). I'm sure I can get a friend of mine that's studying to be an electrical engineer to figure out the circuit needed to be able to actually read the resistance of the sensor (from what I've found, it goes a bit over my head sadly). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 There are a few issues round this: - Most automotive sensors aren't very accurate anyway, the 2-wire types used for ECU's are better but still mostly ballpark. The EGR one is unlikely to be very good. - Just buying a VDO gauge & sender is about as accurate as it's worth getting. - You don't need a PIC, or an arduino. An LM3914 would probably do it, or if you want a digital display then buy an LCD panel meter from eBay china and use the appropriate series resistor. - If you want better accuracy, the LM35 is a useful device although you'll get interference in a car, might be better in a TDi but on the V8 there's a lot of noise from the ignition system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davedef90 Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Why make things when things like this are available off the shelf. You can monitor more temps than you care to mention. Not sure of UK vendors though http://www.madman.co.za/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted January 28, 2011 Author Share Posted January 28, 2011 But why not make it if I have all the bits already? Just need the sensor values really, but I guess I'll just have to test and measure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reads90 Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Mm seem to have far too much time on you hands :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted January 28, 2011 Author Share Posted January 28, 2011 I do now, finally rid of those pesky exams Time to put all those crazy ideas I concocted during the exams into practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reads90 Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I do now, finally rid of those pesky exams Time to put all those crazy ideas I concocted during the exams into practice. Ah student explains it all now :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbocharger Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 I previously drilled through an old coolant sensor and sealed a thermocouple into the hole, so I could use my EGT gauge as a coolant sensor. After months chasing a phantom cooling problem I found the gauge was knackered and the overheating issue wasn't an issue at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gremlin Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Why not use a capillary gauge?? i have found them to be pretty spot on, thats what i have on my tdi. I tend to favour these gauges for water temp use. G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted January 30, 2011 Author Share Posted January 30, 2011 As I said, because I already have all the bits to do this and I'm a difficult person Managed to find the right datasheet, had to get the part number from the picture on Turner's site, as the sensor I have doesn't seem to have any writing on it It appears to be the Bosch 0 280 130 036. Strangely listed as an air temperature sensor, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Will be picking up the PIC with analog input and my programmer at a friend's place tomorrow, and made a basic circuit in Tina to test the principle - seems to be fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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