*********snip
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
t=
o
sub-optimum oil level) that is supposedly constantly bathing the sensor
?

Any thoughts ?

Chris
vanagon list admin

************snip

just another experience:
back in '78 we had a '77 aircooled baywindow 2.0 d/carb (german version)
and
got installed the VDO oil temp gauge and sensor (the one that replaces
the oil
draining bolt) - 80 degrees Celsius (sorry what is it in Farenheit?) all
the time once the engine warmed up. Even on heavy autobahn use with 80
mph (yes,
it's possible and legal over here). Wow- what an increase compared with
the old
'70 1.6 model always running at least with 115 degrees Celsius.
But we could'nt belive. The sensor was replaced against the oil dip
stick type
we ever used in  Type 1 engines- and back they were the 115+ degrees.
My 2 Pfennige.

Michael
58 split
77 westy
90 caravelle