Date:         Sat, 16 May 1998 08:47:53 -0700
Reply-To:     Mark McCulley <raven@HALCYON.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Mark McCulley <raven@HALCYON.COM>
Subject:      Re: Aux. Oil Coolers, trip report 82 Vanagon, oil temps,
              beetle recall
Comments: To: Kw <kokopellis@ATT.NET>, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 09:46 PM 5/15/98 -0700, Kw wrote:
>Howdy all,
>
>I am considering adding an auxiliary oil cooler to my 82 westfalia.
>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.
>
That's about where my oil temps run (87 2.1l waterboxxer). I don't get
concerned until the temps start pushing above 230, which only happens when
I'm pulling a long steep grade in 1st or 2nd gear. If they hit 250, I pull
over and let the engine cool a bit (don't stop engine immediately, though,
let the temp stabilize). I've only done this once though.

>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.
>
I think this shop's figures are too conservative, but maybe it's different
for air-cooled engines. Before you spend the money for the oil cooler, check
out the Type 2 archives. Understand the trade-offs. Personally, I don't
think an oil cooler will add all that much longevity to your engine. But if
it's of good quality and installed properly, it probably won't hurt anything
either. I think you're 90% there if you use a good quality oil, change it
reguarly, and watch your oil temperature to avoid worst-case situations.
Since you probably encounter a wide range of temperatures in Utah, I'd
suggest using a synthetic oil with a wide operating temperature range like
Mobil 1 15W-50.

Mark McCulley