Date:         Sun, 30 Jun 2002 11:14:54 -0400
Reply-To:     kdlewis@JUNO.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kenneth Lewis <kdlewis@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Reduced oil temperatures..
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

        This list is great, I was just getting ready to battle the
archives for this information when Mr.Grunthaner so generously saved me
the trouble.
         I just got done installing a VDO oil temp gauge on my WBX. Since
I am using an oversized oil drain plug I had to locate the temp sender
elsewhere. I ended up removing the oil filler tube and fabricating a
plate to hold the sender and cover up the now open oil entry hole. I then
replaced the oil breather tower with two CB Performance products, a
"Hi-Tech Oil Filler" #1776 which screwed into "Crankcase Vent & Oil
Filler" # 1744. These two parts made a new aluminum tower vent with oil
filler cap on top(http://neksiwel.20m.com/images/oil1.jpg ). I was
worried about increased oil loss but so far so good.
        Over a year ago a list member made a seemingly outrageous
statement;" I have noticed a ten to twenty degree reduction in oil
temperature running the level at the bottom line of the dip stick..."!
Specifically during seventy plus mph hiway driving.  Supposedly due to
windage produced by the cam. I will be checking this out. I was surprised
to see how quickly the oil temperature jumps from 195ºF to 220ºF when you
increase speeds from 60mph to 70mph.

Good Luck and Drive Safely
Ken Lewis
86 Crewcab,60 356
http://Neksiwel.20m.com/




.....The Vanagon is a high stress application for any 2.0L engine. Oil
temperature is critical. Shouldn't be much below 200 F and not above 235
F.
The heavy duty VW applications use a very effective thermostatic valving
system to keep oil temperature above 180 F at all times. The oil must be
hotter than 180 to get rid of sulfuric acid residues and other combustion
byproducts., not to mention dissolved gasoline.