In a message dated 2/16/99 12:16:14 PM Central Standard Time,
wdavidson@THEGRID.NET writes:

<< Hello Volks,
 I'm working on a fire alarm for my engine compartment.
 I figure that I will install a heat sensor/switch in the engine compartment
 and wire it to a buzzer or siren.
 In order to avoid false alarms, I need to know the MAXIMUM temperature that
 will occur in the engine compartment under normal operating conditions (no
 fire) in, let's say, the Arizona desert in July. I would then use a heat
 sensor/switch rated just above that maximum engine compartment temperature.
 Ideally I would like an actual measured maximum temperature, but estimates
 are welcome too. Please specify weather your response if measured or
 estimated.
 Thanks
 Bill
 90 Westy Syncro >>

Bill,
        justa thought instead of using a temp sensor how about using a light
detector.  My helicopter(MH-53E) uses fire detectors in the engine
compartments.  They detect light in the spectrum/type of light found in fires.
Once in a while flying during sunset/sunrise if the light of the sun gets to
one of the detectors it sets off the light on the inst. panel. To verify we
turn 90 deg to heading and if the light goes out it was the sun.   here's a
link <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/mh53e/">MH-53E Sea Dragon Helicopter</A>

kurt thomas
87 syncro