Coolant temp sensor to control ignition retard

[JTVOLVO]

Does anyone have experience using the coolant temp sensor to retard timing or cut fuel as an added safety feature? i am not referring to warmup or IAT.

James

[phj420]

you can use IAT, but I haven't heard of someone Using CLT to retard the timing. It is too constant due to the mass of the coolant. I think that if your engine is overheating you are going to have really high intake temperatures. Lean running engines or retarded engines run hot, so why do you want to do this in the first place.

The IAT timing retard is really in place to help to prevent preignition when you are running hot. If you are worried about your engine overheating, maybe you should check your cooling system and get a good gauge.

[JTVOLVO]

My reasoning is only because while driving the racecar (roadracing) I might encounter a sudden overheating situation (blown hose etc.) which I would not necessarily see immediately as I can't stare at gauges while concentrating on the track and other cars. I have been caught off guard twice because it happened so fast. It may never happen again but I was looking for a failsafe option if it should happen.

Thanks,

James

[phj420]

What you could do is use the spare port settings and have your MS turn on a big warning light when your coolant temp gets above a certain temperature. You could get a shift light or something that you can't ignore.

[JTVOLVO]

Yes, and thanks as that is a good idea. I do have an additional temp sensor and a lamp that I was going to install but I trust the GM sensor that Megasquirt uses more.

James

[phj420]

Yeah, It should work nice, then when you see the light you just pull over. Thats really what you would do if any other system failed. Good luck and post if you need help!