Date:         Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:34:19 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Swapping clock for Tach in an 84? a bit long.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I am about to (tomorrow) attempt to swap instrument clusters in my 84 van,
mainly to replace my oft-unsuccessfully fixed speedo/odo.  I also have a
third partial cluster with a tach in it, so I am going to attempt to swap
out my useless (still works on warm days, but ticks and keeps me awake when
camping) analog clock and put that tach in.
     I found this write-up (below) that looks to be pretty comprehensive and
easy to follow.  Upon preliminary recon.  I think all the terminals, wire
color codes and connections mentioned in the write-up  below do actually
seem to match what I have.  Kinda amazing if that actually works out to
be the case...but it certainly looks just right so far...
   Anyhow, the only part of this pending proceedure that isn't
fully explained (for an electrical dunce like me) is how to deal with the
"dynamic oil pressure warning system" that comes with the newer cluster's
speedo.  He says (paraphrase) that you can't just leave off the foil,
without modifying the dynamic oil pressure warning system, or it will
"Screech at you"...but I don't see anything about how to do that.  My 84 has
none of that system..and in fact, since it has an inline VW motor, it
probably doesn't run at the same oil pressure as a WBX motor anyhow.  I am
fine using my eyes and my normal OP gauge, I don't want any more systems,
but I also don't think a 'screeching' cluster will be acceptable.  Anybody
have any hints on what I might do to 'dissable' the dynamic oil pressure
warning 'tone', etc?
    My current instruments light up upon 'ignition on' with the O2 sensor
light, the alternator light and the oil light illuminating...Then upon
engine start, the oil light goes out, and when I rev the motor, then the
O2sensor and alternator lights go off, too.  So maybe I do have some kinda
second oil warning system...But the Bently shows a 5 terminal circuit (with
the foil connected) for the newer dynamic oil pressure warning system on the
back of the speedo...The new speedo (the one I am going to swap in with the
working odo) has that.  My old faulty one does not have that circuit, but
the foil has the 'paths' unused...
  One thing I AM going to do is take digital pics all through the process so
if I ---- it up, I can reverse the process..I am learning, huh?

http://www.oldvolkshome.com/late_van_cluster_install.pdf

  Don Hanson