Howdy all,

I am considering adding an auxiliary oil cooler to my 82 westfalia. I have a fairly new Mark Stephen's engine with about 5000 miles on it. I installed oil temp gauges last fall. Two weekends ago I drove to West Colorado and canoed the Colorado River above Westwater. (Canoes mounted on Yakima rack mounted to westy top via bolt on rain gutters.)

Last weekend was a trip to camp and hike in the San Rafael Swell. During the trip between Salt Lake and these destinations I got plenty of time to watch my temps. Typically driving the Interstate at 60 - 65 MPH (scary sometimes as speed limit is 75), oil temps stays about 210. Generally it fluxes between 190 and 230. Outside temps were 60s - 70s. This seems a little warm. I didn't think 210 was too bad for highway speed. I cannot imagine what it would be when the outside temp is 105.

I talked to a local VW shop yesterday about oil temps they think 210 is high and 220 too hot to drive. They recommend installing the cool (yet expensive) aux. oil cooler mounted above the tranny with a thermostatically controlled fan similar to a honda radiator. It attaches between the oil filter and filter mount and then uses stainless tubing to run to the cooler above the tranny. This allows the fan to circulate when temps hi t 190 and off when the hit 180. I like that idea.

Since I drive more in the warmer months and not so much in the winter I will probably opt for this oil cooler instead of a propex heater. Gotta make that engine last. I plan to do this soon, unless someone has any other words of wisdom.

The Archives had a discussion about these coolers in 1994 - 95. Sounds like this is a good option to control excess heat. I suppose one could disconnect it during cold months and cap the ends, remove the filter adapter.

I just heard on the news that the new Beetles are being recalled. I wire could erode and allow an engine fire or explosion similar to a 737, ; ) Any info appreciated, has anybody done this recently?

It is still Fryday here. Have a good weekend, I'm going skiing tomorrow as snow fell in the mountains this week.

Ken 82 Westy SLC UT