Anyone using engine watchdog or something similar (1 Viewer)

[jules781]

Hi guys. I was wondering if anyone is using a engine watchdog. I was thinking of running a aftermarket temp gauge but then thought about the watch Dog. Is there much temperature difference with a aftermarket temp gauge inside the coolant and the watchdog that is bolted externally. Just really want something for piece of mind. Interested to compare the difference in temperature between the coolant and the metal.

 

[HZJ75 FARMER]

I have several of them. I think they are a good unit.

There is no way to compare the temperature of the metal vs the coolant, because the Toyota gauge doesn't have degrees written on it. But you will find that your coolant gauge has a flat spot in the middle. So the engine watchdog is a better way of monitoring it.

However the best feature is that it will measure the metal temperature if there is no coolant present. If you have a coolant hose failure and all your coolant leaks out, the standard coolant gauge is useless when no coolant is touching the sensor.

You can also set it up as a low oil pressure alarm. But depending on your model you may need an additional oil pressure switch to connect it to.

 

[FJBen]

Im running Auber dual gauges for my engine monitoring.

Left guage:
Upper: voltage
Lower: coolant/head temp

Right gauge:
Upper: EGT
Lower: boost


The good thing in you can get sensors to read all sorts of data through the same gauges, setup visible and audible alarms with relay triggers…ie kick fan on. You can change them at anytime. They also come in different colors.

Auto gauges, EGT Boost : Auber Instruments, Inc., Temperature control solutions for home and industry - https://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5

 

[jules781]

Yeah that's a good point. Especially if you loose your coolant. Where would be the best spot to mount the probe

 

[coldtaco]

Yeah that's a good point. Especially if you loose your coolant. Where would be the best spot to mount the probe

on my 12HT I have it bolted to one of the thermostat housing bolts.

 

[FJBen]

Yeah that's a good point. Especially if you loose your coolant. Where would be the best spot to mount the probe

Yep like @coldtaco I have mine on a thermostat housing bolt as well. It’s not necessarily great for knowing exact water temp, but it will definitely let you know if things are getting hot.
In 100 degree temps, the hottest I saw on the it was around 178F and that was sitting at idle after driving. I could in theory add a coolant probe and get the temp and compare the 2, but I’m too lazy. The factory gauge never moved from its normal spot

 

[jules781]

Yeah ok so they are definitely worth it

 

[HZJ75 FARMER]

Yeah that's a good point. Especially if you loose your coolant. Where would be the best spot to mount the probe

I know some people like to use a thermostat bolt but I have never understood this.

I have always looked for a spot on the head, avoiding the exhaust manifold, or alternatively on the block somewhere up towards the head.

The head and the block are the bits you need to be worried about the temperature of. If you lose your coolant, the head and the block will heat up faster than the thermostat housing.

No idea what engine you have, but if it's the 1HZ, there is a suitable spot around the back of the head, near the firewall.

 

[jules781]

Yeah ok I have a 1hdt so similar layout to a 1hz. I think I know the spot your are talking about. What sort of temperatures are you seeing

 

[HZJ75 FARMER]

Yeah ok I have a 1hdt so similar layout to a 1hz. I think I know the spot your are talking about. What sort of temperatures are you seeing

The standard dashboard gauge gets to about halfway when the engine watchdog shows about 45 degrees. The engine watchdog then keeps increasing until its normal operating temperature of around 80 degrees, while the dashboard gauge doesn't move at all. On hot days pushing hard it will run around 85 degrees. Between 85 and 90 degrees, the dashboard gauge starts to creep up.

I have the alarm set at 95 degrees. But make your own judgement after watching your normal range.

Before I had an engine watchdog, I thought that the 1HZ had fantastic temperature regulation because the gauge stays so steady. But no, the gauge has a flat spot of about 40 or 50 degrees.

 

[jules781]

Yeah I knew the temperature gauge had a massive flat spot. Might look at the watchdog.