Amen to that!

Which is why I use both oil temp and pressure. I also run an external oil cooler. 

Chris.

Wysłane z iPhone'a

Dnia May 9, 2012 o godz. 22:51 Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> napisał(a):

> One of the problems with the  Waterboxer is that the lubrication system is
> marginal for pressure and temperature. As such it is possible, in fact quit
> easy to put the system into a thermal runaway causing oil pressure loss and
> the resulting engine failure such as a thrown rod or seizing a main bearing.
> Having a perfectly working cooling system will not ensure the oil doesn’t
> overheat to the point of failure. Any of the following conditions can cause
> a rpblem:
> 
> Excessive oil level
> Wrong viscosity
> High engine speed and/or load for an extended time.
> 
> With a well-designed oil temp and pressure guage system you will soon learn
> what is normal and how different conditions can cause changes. 
> During extreme conditions you will see when it is time to back off before
> damage begins. You will also see if additional oil cooling is needed for you
> driving conditions. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Richard Koerner
> Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2012 2:35 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Best way to judge life left in Waterboxer?
> 
> Thanks, Volks, for the insight into what to expect when a well-maintained
> and gently driven Waterboxer starts to reach the end of it's life, which
> appears to be in the 250,000 mile range or so.  What I'm taking from the
> discussions is that the exact number isn't so important or even known, too
> many variables.  But what is important is that there will be some warning
> beforehand:  the gradual appearance of the flickering red oil pressure LED. 
> The general feeling I'm getting is that catastrophic failure is still a few
> thousand miles down the road after the initial flickering begins; hopefully
> enough life left to hightail it (or limp) back home to San Diego from pretty
> much anywhere in the USA.  
> 
> Rich
> San Diego
> 
> --- On Tue, 5/8/12, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> 
> From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: Re: Best way to judge life left in Waterboxer?
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM, "Stuart MacMillan" <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
> Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 12:29 PM
> 
> Stuart,
> 
> Thanks, that's helpful information; I'll keep an eye for that oil pressure
> light flickering.  I've had an occasion recently of very faint dull red glow
> from the LED at startup and idle, which subsequently quickly faded away once
> at operating temperatures.
> 
> 
> Reason I'm asking is that I'm trying to plan for the future.  I've been know
> to take some pretty long roadtrips in my Vanagon, like 10K-12K miles at a
> crack.  That would be unfortunate, to have to decide on a rebuild or Subie
> conversion while on the road thousands of miles from home base, lots of
> downtime too and expense.   And still not sure what my long term travel
> plans are, to keep Vanagon-based for the next 10 years or upsize a little to
> something like a Sprinter or the next generation Ford Transit scheduled for
> USA manufacture in 2014 (latest rumor).  I  still really appreciate the
> handling of the Vanagon and garage-storage capability, both of which would
> be compromised by a larger van-style rig; I don't know if even a small Class
> A motorhome would suite my style which is on the "minimize" side.  And I've
> been a VW Van owner since 1974 so it's in my blood now.
> 
> So if my current motor would be good for another 25K or so, it would buy me
> a few years time to dial in my long-term options.  I know at this age of the
> vehicle there are just so many factors to take into account regarding
> overall vehicle longevity, but I appreciate the helpful List advice on this
> issue.
> 
> By the way, when I said it doesn't "burn oil", I guess it would have been
> more accurate to add "excessively"....I use about a half quart every 2000
> miles.
> 
> Rich
> San Diego
> 
> --- On Tue, 5/8/12, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Best way to judge life left in Waterboxer?
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 9:31 AM
> 
> Rich,
> 
> Just drive on, and forget about it!  If you do a compression test, what will
> you do if it's low (and it will be)?  The death signal is when the oil
> pressure light starts coming on or flickering, particularly after a long run
> on the freeway.   When that happens it's time for a rebuild, or if it get so
> gutless a passenger has to help you push it up hills.
> 
> My '84 went over 200,000 miles and was running strong, but I replaced it
> with a used 2.1 just for the fun of it years ago.   Bad idea.  I blew that
> one up (http://volksweb.relitech.com/21rodbrg.htm) and I don't have that rig
> anymore.
> 
> Stuart
> '85 Westy
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Richard Koerner
> Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 3:45 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Best way to judge life left in Waterboxer?
> 
> The 1.9 engine in my 85 manual Vanagon has 198,000 miles.  Never been opened
> for any reason.  Runs smooth as silk.  Gentle driving, burns no oil, always
> passes smog, power seems about the same as always.  Wondering how long this
> thing can last?  What's the best way to get some idea, compression test?  
> 
> Rich
> San
> Diego