<VV> Red Lights and Gages

[jimster1]

Gents,
How does this sound?  I've noticed that the warning lights in my Corsa
convertible are so dim as to be invisible, daylight or top down, they are
hopeless.  So I concluded that they conveyed vital information regarding oil
pressure as well as whether the belt is still turning the alternator (fan).
So I devised a circuit that would sound a screeching piezo alarm horn in the
event that either came on when the car was running.  I'm using the three
prong oil pressure sensor as the enabler for this circuit.
The center contact operates the oil pressure light like normal.  The other
contacts close in the presence of oil pressure.  Once the engine starts and
the oil pressure comes up, these contacts pick a relay that will stay
energized as long as the ignition is on.  This relay feeds the piezo only
when the engine is running.  Should either light activate while the engine
is running, it'll sound off.  I did the relay thing as I didn't want the
alarm sounding between the time that the ignition switch is on and the
engine starts and the idiot lights go out.  Pretty simple and could save an
engine should either loss of oil pressure or fan belt occur.
Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] On Behalf Of FrankCB
Sent: Friday, July 03, 2009 12:19 PM
To: Smitty Smith; virtualvairs at corvair.org
Subject: Re: <VV> Red Lights and Gages

Smitty,
     On more modern cars, it's important to distinguish between RED and
YELLOW warning lights.  The RED ones, as you say, mean STOP right now, while
the YELLOW ones allow you to continue but warn of some impending problem
with one (or more) systems, frequently emissions related.  Many times the
YELLOW light will go out while you're driving or after you restart.  But the
RED light means stop the engine as soon as you can get the car in a safe
position to do so.  On a downhill you can shut off and coast to a safe spot.
If the red light was on due to loss of oil pressure, you'll have saved the
engine.  I remember in 1970 when we were bringing home the 65 Corsa
convertible (now known as the "Purple Pylon Eater")from out of state, I was
driving it through local streets (fortunately) when the oil pressure light
came on so it immediately shut off and coasted to the side.  An inspection
revealed an oil leak in the plastic part of the oil pressure switch.
Fortunately, we were only a
  few blocks from a FLAPS and I knew that a standard GM switch would fit, so
it was quickly replaced and we were back on our way.  Now, FORTY YEARS
later, the car and it's engine are still in good shape.  A few years ago,
Jim and I drove it to the Lexington, KY Convention and aside from a minor
failure of an exhaust support, the trip down and back was uneventful.
     Pay immediate attention to RED dash lights.
     Frank Burkhard

In a message dated 07/03/09 13:14:34 Eastern Daylight Time,
vairologist at verizon.net writes:
Smitty Says;  re:the thread on red lights, I feel that both of them are
useless to one who doesn't understand their function.  I have big (read that
BIG BRIGHT) lights only on my racer except the tach and boost gage, neither
do I refer to when in the "go" mode.  My street car is normally equipped
except for CHT and Oil Temp gages.  I have always preached to my family that
a red light means only one thing.  Shut it off.  Don't look for the next
exit or service station.  Just hit the key.   
Just a week ago I blew a cooler seal on the interstate,  My warning was the
Corvair red light.  I wasn't even sure which light it was.  I just hit the
switch and started looking for some shoulder to roll off on.  After I got
out and saw the back of the car I knew there was no use starting it up
again. 
Was my engine damaged.  I seriously don't think so even though I was
knocking off about 70 when the light came on.  With various other drivers,
different other sceneareos could have occured.  There's an exit right up
ahead.  A check engine light.  That don't mean nuthin.  I don't see or smell
anything so it's probably alright.  Hubby can fix it when he gets home
tonight.  Lets see, that light says Oil/Temp.  Wonder which it is.  Maybe it
will go out.   
Idiot lights are ignored by idiots but when used properly they will tell you
to check the gages and see how bad the situation is, if you want to keep on
trucking down the highway at 70 and looking at the gage while your engine
goes up in smoke. 
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