Sensor in my AWIC reservior ( WTF?)

[dscoobydoo]

While chatting with Jake today on the Maroon SS, we noticed a sensor in the top right of the AWIC tank.
( Yes it is a factory sensor)
Has anyone else seen this?

Also, if so, any idea as to if it is a level or temp sensor?

WTF BBQ


KTHXBAI

[Legacy777]

Yes....it's a temp sensor. The RS-RA model had the temp sensor in it. Wish my AWIC had one.

[dscoobydoo]

OK, that being said, any ideas how to make it work?

[Legacy777]

It's probably just a standard bosch NTC temp sensor calibration. You may be able to tie that into a gauge or definitely a stand alone engine management.

[dscoobydoo]

Ideas on a gauge to try with it josh?

[Legacy777]

Umm...not really. Probably most of the temp gauges out there are calibrated for standard bosch ntc sensors.

[dscoobydoo]

OK, then maybe suggest a good one to try?

[Aerotech]

The RS-RA ECU controls it's AWIC water pump; off, low, or high speeds with the input from the sensor. Just FYI...

[dscoobydoo]

Thanks. I knew that as the RS-RA does not have a gauge for the temp, but runs the pump ( two speed) through the ECU. So I slowly deduced that the sensor was for that.

But since my ECU can't do that, I was hoping for a way to view the temp, and I figured with the right gauge I might be able to do that.

[Legacy777]

I looked very breifly and didn't find anything from a quick search. Most of the water temp gauges are probably going to be the correct setup, but are not going to really be setup for the temperature range you want to monitor.

[206er]

check resistance both cold and hot then use that to find an electronic temp gauge that will work?

[dscoobydoo]

check resistance both cold and hot then use that to find an electronic temp gauge that will work?

I think this is the best idea, as when it sits, the water temp will be ambient temp.
I found a gauge that will read from 0 to 300, and that will work. But I need to figure out the resistance on it and my sensor first.

[206er]

on the topic of AWIC's and wiring, what is the best way to wire up the pump? I thought about trying to include a temp sensor and relay but it seems like too much extra effort for little if any gain. so, toggle switched, ignition, or? for ignition what would be a good wire to tap into?

[dscoobydoo]

Why not try a relay with pre-set temp switch from the ignition?
I did this for my electric fans in my truck.
Get a coolant switch that turns on at a pre-set temp, and wire it with the ignition on a relay, that way the pump turns on at a pre-set temp, when the car is running.

[Legacy777]

Mine runs all the time and is setup on the key ignition. You can try and get all fancy with the temperature, but the thing to remember with the AWIC is that the air temperature from the turbo can increase very rapidly. The water temperature does not increase or decrease as rapidly. But depending on where the temp sensor is located, it may not kick the pump on when it's needed, and what could happen is the water side of the intercooler will raise too much and the exchanger will not be able to cool it. Then you've got a heat-soaked AWIC setup that really isn't doing anything for you.

The bottom line is you need to have circulation at all times, even if it's only 50% or 70%. To acheive the partial duty, kind of like the stock setup had, you need a power resistor.....and when it came down to it.....it was just easier to run the damn thing all the time off an ignition lead.

[206er]

Mine runs all the time and is setup on the key ignition. You can try and get all fancy with the temperature, but the thing to remember with the AWIC is that the air temperature from the turbo can increase very rapidly. The water temperature does not increase or decrease as rapidly. But depending on where the temp sensor is located, it may not kick the pump on when it's needed, and what could happen is the water side of the intercooler will raise too much and the exchanger will not be able to cool it. Then you've got a heat-soaked AWIC setup that really isn't doing anything for you.

The bottom line is you need to have circulation at all times, even if it's only 50% or 70%. To acheive the partial duty, kind of like the stock setup had, you need a power resistor.....and when it came down to it.....it was just easier to run the damn thing all the time off an ignition lead.

good points josh. which particular wire did you tap into? would any of the larger +12v work ok or? any blown fuses? I was thinking of going all out and putting it on a switched relay with its own fuse but thats extra work and expense when compared to just tapping into an existing wire.

[Legacy777]

You need to use a relay. I have a lead coming from the battery going to a relay, and then to the pump. There's a fuse in that wire going to the pump. Use whatever the pump calls for. Then I just used any 12v ignition lead to trigger the pump to come on with the ignition.

I know it's a little more cost, but you really should use a relay.

[BC5RSRA]

Seeing as I imported a 1990 RS Type RA as my daily...I'd love to chime in on this...

The sensor you are referring to on the top right hand corner of the AWIC is actually the level sensor. As the system uses a liquid to cool the intercooler it REAUIRES a level sensor to let the driver know if the intercooler is performing. I know this for a fact because when my intercooler was low on fluid after I changed the fluid, until I filled it all the way to the brim the light stayed on...I have also requilt my intercooler water pump for those of you wondering, it cost me $7 in parts and 45 min in labout and a favour from a friend and his lathe...

Btw, I'm not new to the Subaru community, I have been learning things from your board for about a year now. Lots of great info on here. Hope this helps you out...btw, the level sensor just goes right to a light on my cluster that reast "inter-cooler"...lol