Water level indicator thingy for a Westy!

Post by **cooky73** » 29 Jul 2006, 13:46

Anyone got a picture of the water tank plunger thing that goes in the tank of a Westy?

I cannot see how mine would "float" so I think there may be a bit missing

melandneil@talktalk.net please!

Post by **lhd** » 31 Jul 2006, 20:32

The only thing in my westy tank is the submersable pump.
I think the level indicator is something to do with the holes (thats what they look like) in the side of the tank, one higher up and one lower down. There was a post on this if I remember rightly, may be worth a search......
lhd.................

Post by **lhd** » 31 Jul 2006, 20:42

Just searched for the post and it was yours.....

lhd........................

Post by **pkm** » 05 Aug 2006, 16:01

Haven't go a photo to hand, but the 'dipstick' is surounded by a moveable, cylindrical magent. There is also a polystyrene float, with a hole in it that supports the magnet & keeps it at the water level.

If that doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll try and sort out a picture.

Paul

Post by **cooky73** » 27 Nov 2006, 20:01

My dipstick is knackered

Does anyone know where to get a new one?

Have tried campervans4u to no avail...

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 27 Nov 2006, 20:16

I think it may be second-hand only. the German Westfalia guy who seems to have everything doesn`t have them listed. Try in "wanted" section, one or two of the usual breakers usually replys pretty quick if they have anything

Post by **irish.david** » 27 Nov 2006, 21:21

The water level indicator on my westy uses 4 electrical probes in the side wall of the tank and measures conductivity between them. This means that you only get a 3 level indications (full, getting empty and empty) but it's more reliable and less likely to have green stuff growing on it that a float.

Are you sure that some Westies have float's? As far as i know they're all got only 3 LED's for water level indication so a float seems kinda pointless.

Dave

Post by **lagerhead** » 30 Nov 2006, 20:05

I've just managed to repair mine for the pricely sum of £2.50 They are quite simple really. You will find 2 wires entering the probe connected to 2 strips of copper which are insulated from each other but linked at the base to form a circuit. One side of the copper will have 2 breaks in it which are both bridged by a resistor and a reed switch. This switch is activated when a magnet (your float) passes over it. You will find that the lower reed switch is a single pole, double throw one so it can be used as normally closed, and the top one a normally open single pole, single throw.

The system works such - when the float is at the bottom the switch is opened and the resistance between the 2 wires is 2 x R (the value of your resistor) - this lights the red LED. When the float rises above the lower reed switch, the switch closes (remember it's normally closed), shorts out the lower resistor so the resistance between the 2 wires in now 1 x R - this lights the yelow LED. Once the float reaches the top switch, it closes the switch (remember it's normally open) and shorts out the top resistor, so you now have a short circuit between the 2 wires and - you've guessed it, the green LED lights.

On mine, the lower reed switch was corroded and needed replacing (you can get them from Maplins or other electrical component retailers). You should be ably to check what part of yours isn't working with a multimeter and a magnet. Check that the probe isn't letting in water and seal if necessary- that's what knackered mine.

Good Luck

Andy