Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 19:43:35 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: plan for oil pressure gauge install- opinions wtd
In-Reply-To: <BE5EE4DB.4B3D%msutts@earthlink.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Matt,
Even the VDO single pole sensors will not fit between the pushrod tubes.
I would use the 2 pole connected to the low pressure port between the
push rods as that is the end of the line. Clogged filters etc. will show
here. My solution back in 1988 was a 10mm adapter and steel brake tube
going up the the top of the engine with the sender clamped to the intake
manifold. Now at 223K, I have yet to have a problem with it and the
steel tube or clamp make for a good ground connection for the gauge to
work right.
As for the functioning of the stock system, it will advise of failures
related to excessive oil temps, wrong viscosity, etc. I do agree that a
gauge is the way to go. Just as important as oil pressure, consider oil
temperature. This way, you will know why the pressure is dropping.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Matt Sutton
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 7:40 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: plan for oil pressure gauge install- opinions wtd
Hi folks,
I'm planning on adding an Oil pressure gauge to my 88 GL, but am
considering a different approach from the Volks Cafe/ Bus Depot angle
and
wanted to check the idea with the list.
#1- move the low (.3 bar) pressure switch to the high pressure switch
location, with the associated wiring. Discard the high pressure sender.
#2- Install a single pole VDO sender in the low pressure location,
between
the pushrods. Perhaps use the old high pressure switch wiring to get the
signal to the dash.
Its a long story as to why I don't just rehabilitate the standard
2.1
light/buzzer system, but basically I never liked or trusted it and, from
what I've heard here, if you get a legitimate alarm on a high mileage
engine
you're probably too late. If my planned configuration works, I'll be
keeping
the low pressure warning light, but will have actual numbers for the
rest.
I guess my immediate questions are: Will the low pressure switch
work in
the new location? Is the there a single pole VDO sender (or other
manufacturer) that will fit between the pushrods? I'd love to avoid the
whole extension hose/pipe contraption. Does anyone have a vendor link
for
such a thing?
thanks,
-Matt Sutton
88 GL