Temp question

C V Man · Post by **C V Man** » Thu Aug 22, 2002 9:51 pm

Ok,

John Miur says I should be able to take my dipstick out and pass it between my hands and then hold it. Of course this is a vague method as some people have a higher tolerance for pain than others.

My '71 Westy never ACTS like it's overheating, but it seems hot back there. I have no temp guage and am not able to go grab one anytime soon.
I can't hold the dipstick at all (too hot). I can't even pull it out!
But as I said she doesn't have any loss of power (how would anyone know

)she doesn't sputter or backfire, nor does she knock and ping.
I took a candy thermometer (measures from 100 to 400 degrees F.) and took a measurement of the dipstick (at it's base) while it was so hot that I couldn't hold it. It never read over 150'. This measurement was taken with the dipstick in place and the engine still running. I know this is not a measurement of the oil temp and is not a very acurate measurement at that, but it seems to me that a 150' dipstick is not an indication of an overheating engine.

Let me know what you guys think about this, because if she is getting too hot, I can't imagine why. All of her seals are in place, all of her tin is in place, and she runs like a top.

VGM · Post by **VGM** » Fri Aug 23, 2002 6:13 am

Buses tend to run hotter since doing a lot more work with the same engine.If you are running a 009 distr.,you will run hotter and get less mpg than a good mech-vac unit.Ideally,the gurus say 42 degrees advance at cruise speed is best-you cant do that with a 009(Aircooled.net has the ideal recurved stock unit SVDA for $120)An oil temp gauge (VDO$65?) is a must on a hard working box like these.I've seen 275 degr(! )on a hot day which is sure to do some damage,no matter how well its running.About 220 @65mph+ is the best I've seen without an oil cooler or other engine mods on a basically stock 1600.This is not my idea of cool running,but with a gauge,at least you know where you are, and can make an informed decision pull over or slow down to cool off.Good luck!

Pillow · Post by **Pillow** » Fri Aug 23, 2002 7:52 am

You should really get a VDO temp gauge. I cannot stress that enough. Swipe the VISA pawn the guitar whatever it takes, do not tell me you cannot find about $60 for it (35 guage and 15 sender, do the wiring yourself forget the wiring kit crap).

The thermometer thing you did is a good effort but not very accurate. If you cannot grab the dipstick you are probably around 230+F

Keep her slow and steady at 60MPH and you should be fine.

------------------
Adrian Pillow
'66 VW Westfalia - "Biscuit"
'67 VW Deluxe Westfakia - "Dino" - FS
'79 Porsche 911 SC - "Cochese" - FS

hoipaloi · Post by **hoipaloi** » Fri Aug 23, 2002 10:29 am

One of the best investments I ever made was purchasing the Berg dipstick oil temp 'gauge'. Works in conjunction with oil pressure sender and will make oil light flicker at between 220 and 225 degrees. The light gets brighter and flickering turns to constant right after 225.
For only about $18, not bad.

C V Man · Post by **C V Man** » Fri Aug 23, 2002 1:29 pm

Thanks for the info guys...

I know I need to get a temp gauge, but unless one of you guys wants to buy my Vette that I currently can't afford the payments on due to a recent lay-off, then I'm not getting the gauge.

(My credit is more important than this bus)

Oh well, thanks again...

bajabusdoc · Post by **bajabusdoc** » Sat Aug 24, 2002 7:27 pm

another idea put a big dog cooler in the upright fan housing for t-1, use t-4 cooler need longer studs from t-4 cut the bump off the flywheel side then set tin back you'll see it need about 1 inch of spacer can pop rivit sheet tin then adapt elbow to exit hot air through stock engine tin, also berg sells pre made fiberglass dog house tin adapter for same , look at his picture and modify your own cost time, buy his cost money. I have 71 lifted westy twin batteries and big tires never over heated yet in bumper to bumper trafic 1 hour a day both ways or off road 1-2 gear for hours.