Date:         Tue, 16 Feb 1999 20:09:48 -0800
Reply-To:     kW <kokopellis@ATT.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         kW <kokopellis@ATT.NET>
Subject:      Re: engine compartment temp?
Comments: To: Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Bill says:
I'm working on a fire alarm for my engine compartment.
I figure that I will install a heat sensor/switch in the engine
compartment and wire it to a buzzer or siren.
In order to avoid false alarms, I need to know the MAXIMUM temperature
that will occur in the engine compartment under normal operating
conditions (no fire) in, let's say, the Arizona desert in July. I would
then use a heat sensor/switch rated just above that maximum engine
compartment temperature. Ideally I would like an actual measured maximum
temperature, but estimates are welcome too. Please specify weather your
response if measured or estimated.
-----------
On my 82 air cooled I have an adjustable thermostat that switches on and
off the aux. oil cooler fan when the oil hits 220.  At 220 the
thermostat is about in the middle of the adjustment.  You could use
something similar and adjust it up until the false alarms stop
occurring.

If a fire occurs your alarm might work until the themostat cooked.  By
then you would have hit the inject CO2 button and the switch to seal off
the engine compartment.  Is it Friday yet?

Ken Wyatt
82 westy
no automatic extinguishers