I'm currently in the process of fitting an Aim MXS 1.3 Strada dash in my Cooper S.

Apart from pulling the data from the ECU, I'm fitting analog sensors for oil temperature, oil pressure, and coolant temperature.

Has any one ever fitted a coolant pressure sensor?

The reason I ask is because I have had some coolant pipe joiners made out of aluminium, but my machinist messed up and made three with 1/8 NPT thread adapters instead of one, so thought it might be useful for a bit more advanced warning of a leak while on track, but I could be wasting my time.

 

Anyone?

 

Sweet, I love that MXS. I want to get one in the future for my track car.

As for the coolant pressure, no. I would assume AIM makes the actual sensor as they make a ton of sensors for logging different things. As to where to put it? I'm not that knowledgeable on the subject, but I just fitted my AEM water temp gauge in my r56. I'd assume you can probably put your sensor just about anywhere in the system and pressure should be able to be read. What the standard spec is, not sure.

 

Have never encountered a cooling system pressure sensor gauge offered as an option or even as an aftermarket gauge.

If you are worried about what your machinist did get that addressed. The best failure is not one you detect with a pressure gauge but one that doesn't occur. And have to point out with a cooling system pressure sensor is just another failure point...

 

It wouldn't be a gauge. AIM sports make data loggers. If you look them up, they make a ton of sensors that can be used for multiple things that you are able to log and monitor while on track. From the basics of water temp and oil pressure, to things like brake line pressures.
It sounds like he's not concerned there was something wrong with what the machinist did, more that he made extra and he wants to utilize them if he can. It wouldn't be another failure point in the system, just adding another port in line that is able to add a sensor. The cooling system is under pressure, if there is a leak, the drop in pressure on the AIM device would show him there is a leak and he can pull over before the loss of coolant is drastic and overheating occurs.

 

Why would you need a coolant pressure sensor?

 

As I stated above, the cooling system is under pressure. So for example, it's at 16psi. If you're on a track and logging, if it drops down to 12psi, the AIM logger is able to alarm you on certain things if programmed that way, you can see that a leak may have sprung or you are losing coolant somewhere. You can quickly pull to the side and shut down before the leak has become too massive and major overheating occurs, possibly causing a lot of things to go wrong.

 

I agree with the question "Why would you need a coolant pressure sensor?" I don't think it is needed. Pressure in the cooling system is only to increase the boiling point. A loss in cooling system pressure is usually catastrophic, and you won't get much warning. Oil Temperature, oil pressure, and coolant temperature will be plenty to monitor.

If you have a coolant fitting with 3 threaded holes, just stick a plug in the two you won't be using.

 

I understand what your thinking. The cooling system only holds 5.5 quarts of coolant. In the heat of racing, a system that notifies you that you've lost pressure in the cooling system would give you a much more advanced warning instead of waiting for the coolant temp to rise. That time could save an engine.

 

In that instance, instead of a pressure sensor, I would rig a simple pressure switch that closes when pressure is lost and illuminates a warning light. The pressure switch will be much quicker and more reliable than a sensor going through a data logger.

 

Those data loggers are usually super customizable. As in, doing exactly what you just stated. You could have it flash a warning light as soon as the pressure drops 2psi. The good thing about it going through the logger, is you can have those same warnings for everything. Oil pressure, oil temp, water temp, trans temp, etc. Rather than having separate warning lights wired everywhere.
They are pretty cool devices for sure