coolant level sensor

[olivier]

hi everybody
I've got a cooling pb on my 1999 Hol. Ramb Endeavor. (freightliner , cummins 275 hp 24v) THe low water cool. warning appears on the dash board each time I start the coach after 1 - 3 minutes.

1st I have check the water cooling level and I've ad about 2 liter . The reservoir level does not change between hot and cold. I have read on workhorse technical report that's mean radiator level is low.
So the next time I think to directly fill in the radiator. Is it the apropriate procedure?
-But 1st of all I would like to knows where's the coolant level sensor? (I suspect an electric problem because I haven't see any leaks) If anyone have an answer it will be very helpfull.
- Ther's engine hose wich go inside to the water heater how does it work?
I'm french between UK and france. Excuse me per advance for my sometime aproximativ English, and thx per advance for your help.

[geodays1]

Olivier!
I have a 2001 Freightliner with cat engine! however should be similar, I have an expansion tank white plastic with a radaitor cap on top and filler black cap on side, there is a sensor with two wires at the low level mark mark , this sends signal to dash light when water is low! If you locate this sensor, you can disconnect when lite is on and it should go OFF! of course with engine running!

Hope it helps you

[olivier]

Hi
thx for the answer this is a picture of mine:
758653rearviewnote.jpg - HostingPics.net - Hbergement d'images gratuit

where's your low level mark, on the expension tank or on the radiator?
you mean the sensor is on the side of the radiator.
I 1st look for the sensor inside the expension tank but it's not there.
thx again
Salut
Olivier

[Elkhartjim]

I also have a Cummins engine on FL chassis . My coolant recovery unit is mounted on top of the radiator, not like yours but I had a similar problem. There is a wiring harness that plugs into the back of the recovery tank. This was not making a good connection. When I had the problem I had the correct level of coolant but when the connection was not good the lights and buzzer went off. It also gave me the message to shut the engine down and then the message it was going to shut the engine down. If I disconnected mine it would not run but maybe 30 seconds or so...that dang computer is not going to ruin an engine because of low coolant.

Another suggestion is to cal Freightliner help at 1-800-FTL-HELP. Have the last four numbers of your VIN.

Your English is just fine. I hope you understand my Texan.

[geodays1]

[QUOTE=olivier;748135]Hi
thx for the answer this is a picture of mine:
758653rearviewnote.jpg - HostingPics.net - Hbergement d'images gratuit

where's your low level mark, on the expension tank or on the radiator?
you mean the sensor is on the side of the radiator.
I 1st look for the sensor inside the expension tank but it's not there.
thx again
Salut
Olivier[/

I have a side mounted radiator,so the sensor is mounted on the expansion tank at the low level mark! I doubt if the computerwould not shut engine, it is too dangerous if on the road1.

[Elkhartjim]

I doubt if the computerwould not shut engine, it is too dangerous if on the road1.[/QUOTE]

Believe me...on my 2008 Cummins, the computer will shut the engine down gradually which hopefully allows you time to find a safe place to stop. Two hours on the shoulder of the road in September Texas heat is enough proof for me...the sucker will not run if it believes there is no coolant. Maybe kitties are different...tougher.

[stuhly]

Cummins coolant sensors have a history of going bad. The sensor is two wire sensor. When they are working, the coolant over the sensor closes the circut. When coolant is low you lose continuity. When these sensors go bad the circut thinks you are low on coolant. A temporary fix until you can replace it is to take a scotchlock connector and clamp over the two wires, out side the tank. Can be reached under the engine cover. This will close the circuit fooling the computer. I have done this in a ISB powered Discovery, and on my over the road trucks.

[a k]

you can have cummins disable the shutdown feature on the coolant level I wouldn't replace the sensor because of the $250 cost. I think almost everyone sooner or later has that sensor problem. I'd just monitor the temp Who cares if your a quart low.

[sharkie51]

The water level sensor has a habit of becoming coated with a film that can cause them to give an incorrect reading. You can remove the sensor and scrub it good with a scotts pad or some light sand paper. If that was causing the light to come on, it will take care of it.

[DFR]

Replaced mine myself with a replacement I ordered from Gaffney. Cost me less than $30.

[olivier]

many thanks to everyone for these info. well,
concerning the water level sensor, I 've ask to Cummins France, but they told me it's not directly on the engine, so I'll look again over the expension tank, and around the radiator...(I'm almost sure it's not on the expension tank!)
With your help and some others info this is what I think now:
- As There's no changement between hot & cold water level, the radiator level is low.
- The "low water" light on after 2-3 minutes, may be because it's when the Thermostat begin to operate. ( If I known, where's the sensor is \ I could be sure of that)
- I had to put the mix directly, on the radiator . (now, because of the low level in the radiator, put it on the expension tank is inneficient)
- I suspect a leak in the cabin heater circuit, may be under the dash board that I don't saw. It could be coherent, because I bought this rv in florida last summer. I think the last owner never use the cabin heater because of the weather And this problem appears after using the cabin heater during 5-6 hours. ( English weather !!! brrr...)
If someone have another idea don't hesit to reply!

[olivier]

SALUT Elkhartjim !

Quote:

I hope you understand my Texan.

yea, and more I like it! :-) I was in Texas last year, and I keep a super good memory of your country. Super nice people. One of my best travel in USA.

[Elkhartjim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by olivier SALUT Elkhartjim ! yea, and more I like it! :-) I was in Texas last year, and I keep a super good memory of your country. Super nice people. One of my best travel in USA.

Just so you don't go confusing folks Oliver, even though Texas is bigger than a lot of "countries" it is just state. We would like to succeed sometimes!

Hope you get your problem repaired and soon.

[olivier]

.... In french we use the equivalent of the word "country" (we says "pays") even for a very little territory . That's mean it's a particular territory. And I thought " I like your state" sound strange. But there's no confusing :-)
Next time I'll go to Texas I'll be carreful when I'll use this word!!
Thanks again for your help Jim.