In a message dated 98-03-17 15:19:07 EST, csmith@SDSC.EDU writes:

<< Not to through another screw into this conversation ...

 But the cooler readings that one observes when the oil level is less than
 maximum, is this the result of genuinely cooler oil OR is it an
 sensor 'artifact' caused by a reduction in the amount of 'hot' oil (due to
 sub-optimum oil level) that is supposedly constantly bathing the sensor ?

 Any thoughts ?

 Chris
 vanagon list admin
  >>
I can attest that the oil is cooler with less than maximum volume.  I was
driving along one day in my '85 GL and the oil temp guage kept rising.  I
stopped, unscrewed the oil drain plug a few turns and scalded the dickens out
of my hand from the almost boiling oil that dripped out into my pail.  After
driving a few more miles, the oil cooled down.  When I got home I changed oil
and when I went to drain it out it was cool enough to put my hand into without
ill effect.

Russell G.
'85 GL
'93 EV