What kind of FE instrumentation for Pre-OBD2 Diesel

[AndrzejM]

Originally Posted by Varn

How do you compare fuel usage to distance on a real time basis.

You just need to monitor VSS as well

[Varn]

So I would need to have a circuit to monitor the speed as well.

My needs are now doubled with the addition of my second pre obd2 diesel vehicle.

[AndrzejM]

Yes you need two flow meters and a VSS signal.

[skyking]

Wow ,thank you for offering.
I will have a motor controlled louver system for my grille, using a headlight motor.
I have two large electric fans with two speeds.
I can get cheap temperature sensors, 0 to 5 volts.
headlight motor has open and closed limit switches already.
I can get a throttle position sensor for reading back louver position, 0 to 5 volts.
I'd like to:
Close louvers when the key is turned on, and temp sensor >.3 volts, for example.
Open louvers to value X when temp reaches 1.0 volts
open louvers to value y when temp reaches 1.5 volts
turn on fan #1 to low when temp exceeds 1.6 volts
turn on fan #2 to low when temp exceeds 1.65 volts
turn on fan #2 to low when Air Conditioning is on and speed switch is off ( I have another component that reads the VSS speed info and can be set with dip switches.)
Progressively switch fan #1 and then fan #2 to high setting based on a combination of temperature and boost value from a pressure sensor.
Allow fan #1 to run on low setting for X minutes after shutdown, depending on underhood temperatures.

Have an LCD display with a few switches, so I can see all these temps and louver values.

Sound simple enough?

[AndrzejM]

That is not so complicated to achieve with arduino clone. I would need some time go get it done though. I have very limited free time resources recently and don't know when it will change. But I'll try to help you.

[skyking]

I think it will take a month or so for me to gather the components together. Perhaps I can do some studying, or get some example code from you and expand on it. I am self taught in command line unix/linux and administer several servers, can muddle through in html and PHP, and some mysql. I figure I may get it done myself if I can get some specific example code to expand on.
Of course, the code for the two flow meters and the VSS to get instant and cumulative fuel use will work for all of us. That would be first on the priority list to do and share. I can control my louvers and fans manually forever, if needed.

[Varn]

Do you think a vacuum/boost gauge would help me monitor economy? I know with a non turbo gas engine keeping a high vacuum is helpful to get better mileage. Not so sure with a turbo diesel.

[skyking]

No, diesels really don't benefit from a gauge like that. No throttle plate. All it can tell you is if the air filter is plugged up. My truck has a filter minder for that.

[Hilly-Billy-13]

Originally Posted by skyking

Thanks Billy!
Don't let that link title fool you, it is 2.0 to 30 Liters per hour.
Liters per minute would be worthless, LOL.

I haven't played with the Futurelec units yet, how ever I think the figures for the Bio-Tech units are correct. I've ordered a Futurelec unit to see how well it works on both sides of my Diesel Rabbit
Bill

[skyking]

It was just the link title that was messed up. It shows liters per hour in the description. That is what I will try on my truck. I don't know if the rabbit return enough to get 2 liters per hour. If it does not return that much, I will buy that one off you.