In line flow sensor for the intercooler pump

[lji372]

After losing an engine a few years ago I did everything I could think of with the guidance of limited360 from a precautionary stand point. Even came up with my own idea of a flow switch for the intercooler pump. Honestly how many know that their pump is actually pumping.
So the research began on a low dollar flow switch. Hours were spent looking for a proper solution. I found one on eBay and went with it. The idea was shelved for a while, rediscovered when cleaning out my desk. James and I worked on it a little and it sat again. Well I decided this winter to finally boost blue with a trilogy I purchased from Barry over a year ago with the understanding I would use it for blue and not sell it.
So I dusted off the switch (after I found it :D) put it in the coolant loop and leaned on spectragod for a little advice on wiring and on limited360 for some help with the installation of it along with some other goodies.

Ok ok I'll quit rambling, here's how it works.
An Led on the gage pod is on when there isn't flow. As soon as the coolant flows the proximity switch senses the projectile move and the light goes out. So when turning the key on the light should flash until the flow moves the inline projectile.

FYI the stock cobra pump at 12volts flowed 7.5 gallons per minute in my test without the switch in line and 6.75 gallons per minute with it in line.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=nXltGrgAuzs

youtu.be&v=nXltGrgAuzs

[RubberCtyRauder]

Like button

[justbob]

Did you just use a threaded flow switch for plumbing?


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[FordNut]

Good idea.

[mm svt]

Nice job Jerry

[8UWITH6]

Geeks. LOL

[lji372]

Did you just use a threaded flow switch for plumbing?


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I'd believe so. Not sure what it was meant for. It uses a stainless body and a proximity switch.

It was threaded on both ends. I turned one end down to a barb and screwd a barb onto the other end. I removed the return spring as it was abstructing too much flow. The switch was mounted vertically so near radiator so gravity took place of the return spring. When there is flow the projectile activates the proximity switch which is the ground side. The led is powered from the fuse box in the cabin. Also tack welded the stopper in place so nothing can come apart

Quite honestly it turned into a personal mission. Seemed like one roadblock after another with that little sob.

[whitey]

That's awesome. I love seeing ingenuity

[Gccch]

I really like this idea. Never thought about pump failure until now. There are tons of options on amazon.

Why not put it at the reservoir where coolant is returning?

[Bradley G]

My last issue was the I/C pump was running constant without the key even in the key cylinder.
Depleted the battery charge, causing a , no crank no start issue.
Had it towed to a nearby shop that has a good reputation.
Five days later and 3/4 tank of fuel used , they could not find anything Wrong.
Months later , has not reoccured.
Great innovation for folks that can not leave well enough alone!
($tock)

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[justbob]

My last issue was the I/C pump was running constant without the key even in the key cylinder.
Depleted the battery charge, causing a , no crank no start issue.
Had it towed to a nearby shop that has a good reputation.
Five days later and 3/4 tank of fuel used , they could not find anything Wrong.
Months later , has not reoccured.
Great innovation for folks that can not leave well enough alone!
($tock)

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Stuck relay?


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[Bradley G]

Stuck relay?


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Every test they did including That , and
A week's worth of lunch runs for the shop , turned up no malfunction.
I have my tow driver as witness for verification.
Except if T-bone says the driver and I were both too drunk .

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[lji372]

I really like this idea. Never thought about pump failure until now. There are tons of options on amazon.

Why not put it at the reservoir where coolant is returning?

The return spring for the projectile was a cone shaped spring. When compressed it blocked too much flow. Therefore I ditched the spring and mounted the switch vertically. Plus now it's hidden and isn't an eyesore.

[Limited360]

Glad we finally sorted this out... was a much needed feature for your engine's safety...

Luckily you also now have the IAT in the correct location, at least you would stand of chance of pulling spark against rising IAT's if the pump failed again...


Geek level up here...

[dmjarosz]

Ive been wanting to do this for a while now, just never got around to finding the right flow sensor. There's tons of options on ebay including some that have a very low pressure drop rating.

Any pics?