Make an Extension Cable for the Scan Gauge II

I make and test an extension cable for the Scan Gauge II. After much wailing an gnashing of teeth I get through the process of making and testing the darn thing.





Lanshack.com has a page that describes the process in detail.

Gadgets & Gizmos Articles

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Receiving and Setting up a Scan Gauge II

I received a Scan Gauge II in the mail today and went about setting it up.





I had no difficulty setting it up. It pretty much didn't need anything but the actual gas tank size.

The ODBC port on a Ford Ranger is right under the steering wheel at the bottom of the dash.

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Still Cooler Design Testing

I build an electrolyte still cooler and proceed to test the various aspects of the design and practical application.


UPDATE: The cheapie fuel pump I was using failed on the first long duration test. So it's back to the Internet to find something suitable. I still think the still cooler is capable of handling the heat exchanging duties, if only I can find a reliable 12 volt pump.




My Observations

1. The fuel pump will self sump the system.

2. The system will more or less purge itself.

3. The fuel pump will allow the system to drain.

4. A static test leads me to think it will reduce the temperature 10-20 degrees while sitting still. The numbers will be greater while in motion. It would take further tests to be sure as I think diluting the electrolyte skewed the results on this particular test to show a 37 degree drop.

Adaptive Engineering Articles

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Demo Incorporating an On-On Switch in an Electrolysis Circuit

I demonstrate how an On-On switch can be incorporated into an electrolysis circuit on a car to provide control over the electrolysis while continuing to allow the oil pressure sensor to do it's job of monitoring the engine oil pressure.



The Schematic should help those that need a piece of paper to see how it works.



The On-ON switch I used can be found at Unicorn Electronics

Demonstrate Using an Oil Pressure Sensor to Control Electrolysis

I perform a demonstration of how an oil sensor can be used to control electrolysis.





The results show the idiot light type of sensor is suitable for use as a switch to control electrolysis

First Operational Test of an Oil Sensor

I conducted the first test of an oil sensor and comment on the results in this film clip. The sensor I used was a Ford Idiot light sensor type. This type just causes a light to come on on the dashboard if the oil pressure fails.





My Observations

1. The switch closes at 3-5 pounds of pressure and the resistance goes to 1 Ohm.

2. The switch opens at about 3 pounds of pressure and the resistance goes to infinity.

3. Idiot light type oil pressure sensor switches are well suited to use as a control mechanism for electrolysis.

Building a Pressure Chamber to Test Oil Pressure Sensors

I got a crazy idea to test how oil pressure sensors actually work and this lab project is the result.






Parts List

• (1) gas bottle, (never had gas is safe, used is cheaper)
  
• (3) 1/2" black pipe tees
  
• (3) 1/2" close fit black pipe (or the shortest pipe available)
  
• (1) 3/4" to 1/2" Black Pipe Pipe Adapter
  
• (4) 1/2" to 1/4" Black Pipe Adapter
  
• (2) 1/4" brass male air connector
  
• (2) 1/4" quarter turn air valves, male/female
  
• (1) 1/4" air coupler, male
  
• (1) 1/4" air coupler, female
  
• (1) 1/4" Air Pressure Gauge
  
• (1) 1/4" Air Coupler Quick Connect, female
  
• (1) An oil pressure sensor that fits your vehicle
  

Personally I like to be able to drive my truck while I'm experimenting, otherwise I could just use the oil pressure sensor that's already on it.

The Ford oil pressure sensor I bought fits a 1/4" pipe adapter. Other makes and models may be different, so in that case you would have to adjust the parts list to get the sensor to fit. In the case of a metric sensor, fitment may be difficult without making your own adapter using a black pipe cap that you cut a hole in and tap to fit.

Lab Projects Articles

Next: Changes to the Test Pressure Chamber
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