Date:         Mon, 10 Jun 1996 12:39:11 -0400 (EDT)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         ERIC ZENO <emz@viper.nauticom.net>
Subject:      Re: 87: coolant temp sensor for syncro



On Mon, 10 Jun 1996 SyncroHead@aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 96-06-07 17:55:32 EDT, raven@halcyon.com (Mark McCulley)
> writes:
> 
> >I'm having a difficult time finding a replacement for the coolant temp 
> >sensor on my '87 syncro. The VW part (025 906 041-A) doesn't fit my rig. It 
> >appears that I have a slightly different thermostat housing. The standard 
> >part is larger in diameter and is held in with a clip. My part screws into 
> >the housing. I've talked to two dealers and one reputable shop and nobody 
> >has seen this situation before. The part number on my part appears to a be 
> >Bosch part number, it is 0 280 130 026. Anyone encounter this before? Any 
> >idea why my syncro would be unique? One strange clue is on page 24.49 of 
> >Bentley where there is a diagram of how the sensor fits into the thermostat 
> >housing. It says the retaining spring is not used on syncro vehicles. This 
> >implies that syncros have a different sensor and thermostat housing. But 
> >everyone tells me this is not so.
> >
> >-Mark McCulley
> 
> Hmmm??  I don't reallt have an answer for you, but I do have a little more
> data that might help you get to the root of the mystery.
> A while back I replcaed the engine in my '87 Syncro with the engine from a
> '90 non-Syncro 4 speed.  My original '87 Syncro engine had an aluminum
> thermostat housing and a screw-in temperature sensor.  The 1990 engine had a
> plastic thermostat housing and the temperature sensor with the "clip".  The
> wiring connection on the sensor was different than my original also.
>  Perfering aluminum to plastic and not feeling like changing the electrical
> connection, I just swapped the whole t'stat housing assembly, complete with
> sensor.  I figured the difference was a change between 87 and 1990, not a
> Syncro / non-Syncro thing.  Maybe it's both a Syncro & a model year
> difference.  
> 
> Hope this helps.
> 
> Jim Davis
> 87 GL Syncro
> 88 GL Wolfsburg
> 
     My Syncro (86) has the AL housing. My 2 wheel has the plastic. that's
     the same on my friend 87 2 wheel and his Syncro.
                    I wander if they are interchangable??
                                      ERic