Date:         Mon, 16 Jul 2001 21:18:33 -0400
Reply-To:     Hector Zapata <hector.zapata@XRXGSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Hector Zapata <hector.zapata@XRXGSN.COM>
Subject:      wiring for gauges
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Today I wired my VDO gauges, since my van is on jackstands, due to bad
balljoints. I had previously bought the wires, 20 ft each, in blue, black
and red. I used the A/C hoses as guide, since they run the length of the van
underneath, and ran the wires up to where the fan switch is connected to the
radiator. There I found a rubber plug under the carpet next to where the
steering linkage exits the floor, and fished the wires from behind the
instrument panel to the top of the dash, where my gauges are mounted, right
between the ashtray and the windshield. I've found this position to give
excellent visibility to to the gauges, since they're on line-of-sight, about
the same height as the speedometer and tach. It resulted in a clean
installation, no holes to drill, and took the connection for the lights from
the ventilation control and 12 volts from ignition, all very close. I hope
to try my set-up on Wednesday, when I expect to assemble my suspension and
see how it works.
I did something a little different for the mounting of the coolant temp
sensor. A couple of months ago, had the coolant drained, can't remember what
for, and removed the coolant expansion tank, very carefully drilled a hole
and screwed the sensor directly to the tank. I used an o-ring to seal the
sensor and made a ground wire for the sensor to work, since the thing is
plastic. I've done this before to our Jetta, about four/five years ago,
still going ok with no leaks.
Still have to connect the pressure sensor yet, and will try an idea that
someone on the list brought up, using a hose from a grease gun, since I had
one, new, still on its package. For that I'll wait for the next oil change,
and if anyone is interested, will let you know how it went. I had for this a
brass t-adapter, female on all three sides, and already have the hose and
VDO sender attached, and prepared a grounding wire for the hose. I'll be
connecting the hose to the case, and on the other side, both senders.
Sorry if I put anybody to sleep.

Hector
1990 Carat