I don't know if this has ever happened to anyone else but you're driving along, look down and your coolant temp gauge is way up, then shortly thereafter you're replacing a headgasket, engine, vehicle etc. etc.

Has happened to me at least 3 times over the years. I don't tend to drive with my eyes glued to my gauge cluster.

I was looking on the web and couldn't find any good info for an audible/adjustable coolant temp alarm gauge/system/add-on that can eliminate this type of incident.

Any info or ideas on where to purchase or how to build such an audible coolant temp alarm system?

 

one could probably tap into the wiring and if skilled with simple electronics, wire up a series of resistors, leds, and a buzzer. i don't know specifically, but i'm curious too.

bumpweasel has occurred.

 

google told me about this. http://www.enginewatchdog.com/tm2.html which means it probably requires more then any one of us may be able to come up with as a cheaper solution. less you find a buzzer that only responds to 12V and a very nitpickey temp sensor.

 

I saw that one too but it measures external temp. I'd like to measure coolant temp. I drive in snow occasionally and wonder if the ambient air temp would cause a false reading with that system. I'd like to be able to set the 'alarm' point as close to/above a stable 'normal' temp.

 

Yeah, I was hoping not to have to be the pioneer in this procedure.

I'm in the process of replacing my engine with a remanufactured, and rather than replace ~12 coolant hoses I'd rather buy the 3 that made crackling/tearing noises when I removed them (I'm suspicious about) and spend the rest of the money on a warning system.