Date:         Thu, 4 Jan 2001 12:02:26 -0500
Reply-To:     John <johnpatt@WARWICK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John <johnpatt@WARWICK.NET>
Organization: PattonSystems International
Subject:      Gauges & sendinig unit installation
Comments: To: UCMYVW@aol.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

UCMYVW@aol.com wrote:
>
> Thank you, for sending those.  I just got a chance to look them over and they
> look quite informative.  Now that the holidays are over I plan on getting
> some work done to my van (87 Syncro).  I do have the oil pressure warning
> light problem, which is one of the things I plan on fixing.  I am also going
> to install an oil pressure guage.  I am going to be replacing the head
> gaskets so I will take care of the sending unit at that time.
>    One question I do have and maybe you will know.  I also want to install an
> oil temp guage.  Problem is I am told that VDO does not make a 13mm sender to
> go into the drain plug, which I believe it is a 13mm drain plug.  All they
> make is a 14 mm.  So I was told that the sump needs to be drilled and
> retapped, which I dont really want to do.  Is there any other maker of a
> sender unit out there for the correct size?  Any help is appreciated.
>
> Thank-you,
> Alan Hosage
> Mountaintop, PA
> 87 Syncro
> 84 van
> 65 beetle


Hi Alan,

The holidays were busy for me so I'm just getting back to you. Regarding
you dash gauge plans, I've installed a digital volt, coolant temp, oil
pressure & oil temp setup in my '86 Syncro and I can forward the details
if you are interested. The oil pressure switch/ gauge sender issue is
easily resolved with Home Depot materials.

You are right that the placement of the oil temp sender is tricky. The
best place of course is to drill the crankcase which is what I did,
using a special procedure to prevent drilling contamination. However
there are other ways of sensing engine oil temperature that avoid
crankcase contamination. If you are interested I'll send you my thoughts
& procedure.

Regards,    John