I've installed an oil temp and oil pressure gauge in my Westy just to
monitor the health and life of the 2.1l  Wunderboxer.  I've had some
interesting observations since then.

1. When driving at 75mph oil temp climbs quite impressively.
2.  I replaced the thermostat.  My coolant temp is stabilized but my
oil temp stayed same about the same until...
3.  I drained Castrol 20W50 and put in Mobil 1 15W50 synthetic.  The
oil temp is down about 20c (that's Centigrade) while cruising at 70
mph during my extended testing. Did the cooling system burp an air
bubble in the oil heat exchanger or is the synthetic oil absorbing
less heat?  The daytime temp was about the same.
4.  Despite what I previously believed, I now think our Westies do
need an oil cooler of some sort for extended highway running.
5.  VDO dual-pole senders are NOT compatible with low pressure alarm
on our Vanagons.  The low pressure alarm goes off at a higher
pressure.  Install a T-connector and hook up a factory .3 bar low
pressure sensor.

HAIRBRAINED IDEA #1:  Has anyone installed a scoop under the oil pan
of the WBX to catch air and increase cooling of oil inside?  Something
like Terry Kay's famous auto transmission scoop idea?  (pic:
http://community-2.webtv.net/VanStuff/VanagonWestfalia/media/captureD35.jpg)

HAIRBRAINED IDEA #2:  A bigger oil cooler for the WBX?
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=78993

--
Chris S.
Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"

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