Serious Q -- can I stick an engine temp sensor in my mouth w/ the engine running? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

spdrun · #1 07-31-2014, 09:07 PM

Put a condom over it -- gets rid of the shock and antifreeze(*) hazards. Or just stick it under an armpit.

(*)- Antifreeze is toxic, but not THAT toxic. As in a drop won't actually harm you. If it were that toxic, a lot of mechanics would be dead or have kidney ailments from the fumes or absorption through skin.

Another interesting fact is that ethylene glycol isn't terribly toxic in and of itself. It's metabolized by the liver into toxic oxalic acid, but ethanol is a competitive inhibitor of that metabolic pathway. One treatment for antifreeze poisoning is to essentially keep the victim drunk until the antifreeze is excreted. So before the OP tries this test, he should get roaring drunk. For his own safety.

Mr.Kenny · #2 07-31-2014, 09:16 PM

Honestly; if they don't want us to drink antifreeze, why do they make it so tasty sweet?
I mean who can possibly resist? Eh?

Mölyapina · #3 07-31-2014, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarTek

It should work and you don't even need to have the engine running, just the ignition on. Also, I would not stick the sensor in my mouth if it had been in contact with antifreeze. Keep in mind that you will have to ground the body of the sensor somehow to complete the circuit unless it's a two wire sensor.

I hadn't thought about the sensor body providing the ground... duh.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdrun

Put a condom over it -- gets rid of the shock and antifreeze(*) hazards. Or just stick it under an armpit.

Hmm, good idea. I could probably just cut a finger off of a disposable glove, too -- that should accomplish the same thing.

iwrock · #4 07-31-2014, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdrun

Put a condom over it -- gets rid of the shock and antifreeze(*) hazards. Or just stick it under an armpit.

(*)- Antifreeze is toxic, but not THAT toxic. As in a drop won't actually harm you. If it were that toxic, a lot of mechanics would be dead or have kidney ailments from the fumes or absorption through skin.

Another interesting fact is that ethylene glycol isn't terribly toxic in and of itself. It's metabolized by the liver into toxic oxalic acid, but ethanol is a competitive inhibitor of that metabolic pathway. One treatment for antifreeze poisoning is to essentially keep the victim drunk until the antifreeze is excreted. So before the OP tries this test, he should get roaring drunk. For his own safety.

I accidentally ingested a few drops while working on my old E55, splitting the cooling system (engine coolant and intercoolers)... And I'm still alive!