Beware the Auberins Temperature Probe

[kow1]

I while back I fitted an Aurberins water temperature gauge. Recently it started reading erratically. I had fitted it along with another gauge in a DIN panel above car stereo. So I pull it out to find out what’s the matter with it and I find the gauge and my new head unit soaked in anti-freeze. Crap I thought – the bloody heater cores gone – this is going to be a prick of a job! Closer inspection revealed though that the anti-freeze was actually coming out the end of water temperature probe lead – which resembles a braided plastic hose.
Once I pulled the probe sender out of the engine, I noticed that the very tip was never properly fused onto the barrel during manufacture, allowing antifreeze to be pumped through the tiny gap and then down on the lead.
Anyway, Aurberins sent me another lead but wouldn’t replace the gauge because they say their warranty ‘doesn’t cover damage caused by their products’. They actually got a bit snarky. I guess this shows the danger of buying stuff internationally where our fair trading act etc. doesn’t apply. You can get caught out by the strangest of things!

[tweake]

wow thats an odd one.
thanks for the heads up.

[Twodiffs]

What type of sensor was it?
I've just bought the PT100A-NPT, can't see how it would give me the same problem.

[Crash bandicoot]

I thought they outlawed those things ages ago. supposed regulation is using instruments with electronic senders to stop the likes of anti freeze or hot engine oil entering the passenger compartment.

[petefj40]

Interesting.
I just brought a water temp Auberins electronic sensor.
Cheers for the heads up.

[kow1]

Probe was a PT100A-NPT. You can just make out the flaw around the cap.

[Twodiffs]

I'll keep an eye on mine then....the sensor wire runs up hill slightly as well which should help.

[petefj40]

Looking at the new probe before fitting tomorrow.
It looks in perfect condition.

[Twodiffs]

Thats a different one to the PT100A-NPT, fitted mine on Sunday and I def would have noticed any flaws.

[kow1]

You need to look at the tip with a magnifying glass to see it there’s a flaw.
The replacement probe Auberins sent me has a different cable type and the probe sensor is clearly made in one piece, unlike the original one and the one posted by petefj40 which has a fused on end cap.

[DaveM]

I'll keep an eye on mine then....the sensor wire runs up hill slightly as well which should help.

Leak may have been through capillary action, in which case the water would make its way up into the cab anyway

[petefj40]

Just had mine fitted. Fingers crossed I guess.