Date:         Fri, 19 Dec 2003 09:35:05 -0500
Reply-To:     David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Subject:      Re: No compression
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2003121900231978@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

On Fri, 19 Dec 2003, Ben huot wrote:

> This is the head temp gauge kit, come with the spark plug sender and the
> long wire. The sender is a washer type sender, it goeas around one of the
> plug, suggested cylinder are # 3 or 4.

One important point -- do *not* change the length of the wires for this
type of gauge.  The sender wire is part of the calibration and changing
the length will make the gauge inaccurate.

> The oil temp gauge is often intalled on the drain plug or the round plate
> (forgot the name) where the oil dip stick lower end goes.

The sump plate.  Pick whichever is more convenient, as they both end up in
about the same spot.  Don't be tempted to mount an oil temp sender where
the oil pressure switch is -- there is pressure here but no flow, so the
temperature won't be accurate.

> Remember one thing, those gage will get you crasy, they will stress you out
> for sure,  you will look at them very often, too much i would say...  You
> can live with it or without it, i have chosen to live with them.

I'd rather be able to look at a gauge and reassure myself than have to
wonder. ;)  Just mount the gauges somewhere where you don't have to look
away from the road much to view them.  Next to the radio isn't a good
spot, no matter how clean-looking and convenient for wiring it is...

I'm 6' tall, so I mounted my gauges (voltage, oil pressure, and water
temperature, in my case, since I have a diesel) on top of the instrument
cluster cover.  I used a multi-pin connector so I can remove the cover
entirely if I want.  The wiring goes down through the gap next to the A
pillar.


David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si -- For Sale
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon