On Sun, 11 Apr 2004, Mark Cumnock wrote:

> do yourself a favor and buy some quality gauges such as VDO. i BOUGHT SOME
> CHEAP Gauges and I don't trust them either...I got so paranoid that I have
> wired the high speed on the fan , on it's own switch for climbing
> mountains ,and city traffic

The great thing about having two gauges is if one starts doing something
weird, you can look at the other for reassurance.

I got some cheap Sunpro gauges.  I don't necessarily trust the
calibration, but they're consistent, and that's what matters.  I know
where it normally runs.  My biggest complaint is that the scale is too
compressed on the right side, and with a 190F thermostat the left side of
the scale isn't very useful.  You'd be better off getting a VDO electric
temperature gauge from a junkyard, if you can.

Tip: Run a seperate ground wire for your aftermarket temp gauge.  I wish I
had.  My temp gauge reads about two needle-widths higher with the
headlights and heater blower on than it does with everything off, and when
there are electrical loads like that the temperature reading changes as I
shift and go over bumps.  Vanagons  have terrible electrical ground paths.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon