Date:         Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:03:31 -0700
Reply-To:     neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Air cooled head temps. Help!
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Hi all.

Am in Republic WA right now.

Through *really* steep Colville forest hills, head temps stay at 475 F at
40-45 km's in 3rd gear. Oil level is fine and oil consumption much less than
half a litre in over 1700 km's.

I was reading gauge incorrectly. (D-oh!) What I thought was 400 F on steep
hills, was actually 450 F. On level road, my Westy used to stay at 350, but
is sometimes higher now. Sometimes 400 F or over. (may be windy conditions
forcing engine to work harder)

I replaced VDO temp sensor after damaging first one when re- installing
spark plug on #3 cylinder. I used old temp sensor ring as washer to help
plug turn on washer and not twist sensor while turning plug. Reason original
ruined. Head temps were high, so removed "washer" thinking plug sitting too
"high". New sensor wire got a little chewed again so may not be sending
correctly.

Question:

IF sensor sending correctly, is 475 F on *steep* hills, too high?

Any other way to judge if engine too hot? (feeling dipstick etc.)

Engine runs fine otherwise.

Many thanks,

Neil.

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia -
"Jaco"  (Bustorius)

http://web.mac.com/tubaneil

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