Date:         Fri, 02 May 1997 12:31:18 -0700
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Stephen Bibler <biblers@eee.org>
Subject:      Re: VANAGON digest 1347

> Topic No. 12
>
> Date: Thu, 1 May 1997 21:02:21 -0700 (PDT)
> From: mcleans@earthlink.net (Ed McLean)
> To: vanagon@lenti
> Subject: Overheating? Try these ideas. (long)
> Message-ID: <v01540b00af8edd624a38@[153.34.251.66]>
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> There have been several postings recently concerning overheating of
> wasserboxers in traffic and as the Summer

> 6.  I NEVER fill the crankcase oil level to the top of the operating
> range
> on the dipstick.  I always keep the oil level between the bottom of
> the
> operating range and 1/4 up from the bottom.  This lowered my oil
> temperature (VDO drain plug sensor and electric gauge) from 255
> degrees F
> to 185 degrees F at 70 mph on a 80 degree day!  Usual oil
> temperature is
> about 175 degrees F even in 30 degree weather.  Before reducing the
> oil
> level, hot idle oil pressure was sometimes 1-2 psi.  Now it is
> generally 10
> psi.  Hot, 3000 rpm oil pressure is 30 to 40 psi now.  The oil
> warning
> light and buzzer came on a few times before I made these changes but
> they
> never come on now.

Is there any reason to explain item 6? I have a 1990 Vanagon with
104,000 miles that hasn't had any engine work in the past 30,000 miles
and I would like to put off any required work as long as possible.
Engine oil temp is an important parameter in how long the engine lasts.
I currently don't have any problems with my van's oil warning coming on
but I now live in Southern California where the temps in the summer go
above 100 for days at a time. Anything I can do to reduce oil temp this
summer should reduce my workload. Thanks for any info you can pass on.

Steve Bibler
1990 Vanagon, "Wolfie"