I've recently read, commented, helped via p-mail, on some Jetta ABA
engine DIY engine conversions. Especially those involving DIY harness
work. In 1 or 2 cases it seemed that installing - interfacing new
engine harness oil wires to the Vanagon, were last on the "to do"
list. With amateur DIY swaps, I wonder if some builders test start -
run the engine without any warning lights connected.

On my pending ABA swap, I will install a permanent oil pressure gauge
but have also relegated that to last on the "to do" list. It's foolish
really. However. I'm glad I connected a pressure gauge to the head
during test starts-runs. Doing so confirmed oil light behaviour, led
me to correcting an oil priming issue at pump and helped determine
that the lifters may be bleeding down after 4 or 5 days.

Of course now I'm thinking about installing an oil temp gauge.    ;)

Neil.

On 10/27/18, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:

> As some of you know I am now on the quest to hit 350K on the original engine
> in Fun Bus. I am at 342K now. So Thursday night driving home doing about 65
> I see the oil temp climb from its usual 180-190 making it to 240 in about 10
> minutes. I also see the oil pressure dropping to ~35psi. Slowed down and
> cooled down some. Get home check things out, the oil cooler is cold. It
> appears the oil cooler thermostat failed. Job for this weekend! Anyway,
> without gauges I never would have known.
>
> BTW except for hoses this oil cooler and thermostat has been on Fun Bus from
> the beginning. 30 years of service.
>
> Dennis
>

--
Neil n

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