Water-level sensor

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ilovedmymantas
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Water-level sensor

Post by ilovedmymantas »

Since tinkering under the bonnet a few weeks ago, my rad dash- light has been on. Thought I'd broken a level sensor wire - pretty brittle after 21 years, but the breaks were only to the cable sheath, so I cleaned-up the contacts. No change.
Today I thought I'd tackle it again, thought I could maybe clean the float.
Here's what I found;
Image
Thought I could clean it up but realised the float, which appeared to be covered in what I can best describe as a salty substance was the salty stuff.
Image
The float plastic's so badly degraded it just crumbles. ( if I thought I could repair it i'd try )
Quick call to my local vx dealer ( turns out it changed to Arnold clark a year ago ) - remembered why I don't try there anymore. £ 44.82 ! I was so shocked I forgot to ask for the updated part/no.( he mentioned there was one )
A quick web search ( e.g. Alibaba) appeared to suggest I could buy 100 from china for 10 dollars- don't think i'll go down that route, (need it by Monday) though It does make me wonder why genuine parts can be so expensive. My genuine one was made in spain, not uk - is that much different to being made in china ? Probably only politically :roll:
Anyway, it looks like it's a trip to the breakers tomorrow. I know they didn't have any cavs left a few years ago so what can I use instead ?
The part no. is 90228348.
Does anyone know the updated part number or what cars are suitable to get one from?
" It's not rust. It's age-related patina " ;)

1980 vauxhall cavalier MK1 1.6L, 1982 opel manta berlinetta 1.8s, 1985 opel manta 2.0 gte, 1990 cavalier 2.0 gl ,1994 cavalier sri x20xev

-1995 cdx x20xev

---------------
Matt
colin1
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Location: Oakdale, S Wales

Re: Water-level sensor

Post by colin1 »

Take the part along and see if any from more modern Vauxhalls are a pattern for it. There's no guarantees obviously but volume manufacturers generally keep costs down by:

1. making parts applicable to as many models across their range as possible, and
2. not redesigning parts through successive generations unnecessarily
93K C20XE Cavalier SRi Hatchback Spectral Blue Metallic
94M X20XEV Cavalier SRi Hatchback Flame Red

96N C14NZ Corsa B 4-dr Flame Red'ish
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ilovedmymantas
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Re: Water-level sensor

Post by ilovedmymantas »

well, no joy at the breakers. Couldn't even find a similar shaped bottle in any of the Vauxhalls. The caps are now all plain from what I can see, with the sensor bottle-mounted.
For now i'll do regular checks , should be ok, i've never had a water-loss problem.
There's only 7 quid difference between a used one and new, so i'd get the new one but only as a last resort. Until then...
Plan a; wait a little & see what I can find online
Plan b; order a sample one from china
One way or another it'll get sorted :|
" It's not rust. It's age-related patina " ;)

1980 vauxhall cavalier MK1 1.6L, 1982 opel manta berlinetta 1.8s, 1985 opel manta 2.0 gte, 1990 cavalier 2.0 gl ,1994 cavalier sri x20xev

-1995 cdx x20xev

---------------
Matt
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ilovedmymantas
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Re: Water-level sensor

Post by ilovedmymantas »

Turns out this type of cap was only fitted to 4 vehicle types, no wonder it's so expensive.
So I've sort of gone with plan B .
I've ordered from here : http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product ... 74257.html
Feedback's good though I might have to wait up to a month for it :roll:
It works out at 11 quid with the free delivery. Even if it gets the full force of customs it's still less than half-price - on my budget it's the best choice.
" It's not rust. It's age-related patina " ;)

1980 vauxhall cavalier MK1 1.6L, 1982 opel manta berlinetta 1.8s, 1985 opel manta 2.0 gte, 1990 cavalier 2.0 gl ,1994 cavalier sri x20xev

-1995 cdx x20xev

---------------
Matt
iangsi
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Location: Bromley, Kent.

Re: Water-level sensor

Post by iangsi »

Nice find you'll have to update this when you receive it to say what the quality is like & if it works as I'm going to need one soon.
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ilovedmymantas
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Re: Water-level sensor

Post by ilovedmymantas »

I'll report when it arrives....... i'll miss the warm glow from the dash on those dark country roads
" It's not rust. It's age-related patina " ;)

1980 vauxhall cavalier MK1 1.6L, 1982 opel manta berlinetta 1.8s, 1985 opel manta 2.0 gte, 1990 cavalier 2.0 gl ,1994 cavalier sri x20xev

-1995 cdx x20xev

---------------
Matt
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ilovedmymantas
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Re: Water-level sensor

Post by ilovedmymantas »

Well, the sensor arrived safely after 19 days, despite the best efforts of the global postal workers..............
Image

Have to say the quality looks very good, better than the sale photo with the untrimmed float. Didn't think to line up the contacts but they are identical - the float pillar is also offset
Image

Fitted today, and problem solved (there should be a fingers - crossed in smilies ), no more rad light :thumb

Medium run tomorrow , armed with my usual "you never know " 2lt bottle of water in the boot. Thirty miles or so should see if it leaks, I suspect not though.....................tbc
" It's not rust. It's age-related patina " ;)

1980 vauxhall cavalier MK1 1.6L, 1982 opel manta berlinetta 1.8s, 1985 opel manta 2.0 gte, 1990 cavalier 2.0 gl ,1994 cavalier sri x20xev

-1995 cdx x20xev

---------------
Matt
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ilovedmymantas
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Re: Water-level sensor

Post by ilovedmymantas »

Update..... all good.
Sent as gift, & with bank charges added, cost about £12.20
Bargain....
" It's not rust. It's age-related patina " ;)

1980 vauxhall cavalier MK1 1.6L, 1982 opel manta berlinetta 1.8s, 1985 opel manta 2.0 gte, 1990 cavalier 2.0 gl ,1994 cavalier sri x20xev

-1995 cdx x20xev

---------------
Matt
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Robsey
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Re: Water-level sensor

Post by Robsey »

Job looks a good 'un. ;)
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ilovedmymantas
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Re: Water-level sensor

Post by ilovedmymantas »

Thanks.
I'm so pleased with this find. All those nights trawling the internet for parts into the wee small hours hasn't gone to waste :lol:
" It's not rust. It's age-related patina " ;)

1980 vauxhall cavalier MK1 1.6L, 1982 opel manta berlinetta 1.8s, 1985 opel manta 2.0 gte, 1990 cavalier 2.0 gl ,1994 cavalier sri x20xev

-1995 cdx x20xev

---------------
Matt
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