If I needed to calibrate my VDO gauge, I would set up the Coleman propane 
stove, boil a pot of water, suspend the sending unit in the boiling water, 
make sure I had an external ground wire attached, turn on the ignition 
switch, and see what the reading was.  Then do the math for number of feet 
above sea level.  I recently bought an NOS VDO dipstick sender off ebay for 
a couple bucks.  It was dead on at 100 degrees C. the last time I checked 
it. Maybe that VDO sender I put in the oil drain plug hole has been lying 
to me!    Certainly hope it was on the optimistic side.

DM&FS

At 06:23 PM 3/14/2006, dontemail2002 wrote:

>It's been my experience with automotive oil and water temperature
>gauges that they have not been very accurate.  In order to know what
>your oil temperature is you must calibrate your gauge or use a
>calibrated thermometer.
>
>You can calibrate your oil pressure gauge with boiling water but this
>is somewhat difficult to do.
>
>You can accurately measure your oil temperature by strapping an
>electronic thermometer probe (calibrated of course) to your oil filter
>with a plastic wire tie and covering it with a piece of insulating
>foam.  By comparing this reading to your gauge reading you can
>calibrate your gauge.
>
>I found my VDO gauge was quite optimistic with it's reading.  However,
>it was always quite precise, giving the same reading (incorrect,
>however) at the same temperature.
>
>I agree 100% with Karl about the desired oil level.  I've done the
>same experiments and have gotten the same results.  When I had a 2.1L
>WBX I ran the oil level at the lower end of the suggested operating
>range plus 0.25 quarts.  I found an the oil temperature never got
>above 210�F under any conditions and usually remained at 195�F (IIRC).
>
>Ed
>Raleigh, NC
>
>
>
>--- In vanagon@yahoogroups.com, dylan friedman <insyncro@...> wrote:
> >
> > I am only going on my experience with starving an engine of oil and
>the damage it will cause.  Most people do not watch the car they drive
>as closely as you and I.  if they run it low for what ever reason and
>do not monitor it, kiss it good bye.
> >
> > df
> >
> > Karl Mullendorf <syncrosixteentdi@...> wrote:       To quote Dennis
>Haynes' ACTUAL REAL-WORLD TESTING [read: not some
> >  theory spouted by your A.C.E.'s:
> >
> >  ************************************************************
> >
> >  "I have done the testing, both intentionally and by mistake.
> >
> >  The FUN BUS has a 16 plate thermostatically controlled oil cooler in
> >  place of the OEM oil to water heat exchange. The oil pressure gauge is
> >  connected to the port at the center cam bearing, (between the push rod
> >  tubes). The oil temperature sensor is installed in the lower oil
> >  pressure relief valve plug.
> >
> >  At normal speeds and oil fill the case or oil temp will follow the
>water
> >  temp. On hot summer days with the AC on and traveling ~ 70 mph, I will
> >  see ~210-220F. If I change the oil and add a full 5 quarts, I will see
> >  maybe 230F and the pressure will start dropping. If filled with 5.25
> >  quarts, It will go to 240-250. If I run to 75 or run the engine at
>4,400
> >  to 4,500 rpm for extended period, the oil temp will actually run
>away to
> >  270 or more and when slowing, the oil pressure will plummet until
>things
> >  cool off. this is a good test for the oil pressure warning buzzer.
> >
> >  Overfilling is probably the most common cause of the oil pressure
>buzzer
> >  sounding intermittently. Especially during extended highway drives.
> >  Folks that think they solved the problem by changing the oil filter
>are
> >  misled. It was not the filter change that fixed it, it was the
>lower oil
> >  level after the filter change or different driving conditions. The WB
> >  has got to be one of the most oil level sensitive engines out
>there. To
> >  make things worse, the sum playout is such that engine angle makes it
> >  difficult to get a consistent oil level reading. The engines mounting
> >  makes it worse as the engine leans forward away from the dip stick.
> >
> >  When I change the oil, i ad 4.5 quarts and give the remaining .5 quart
> >  to the customer and instruct them not to add until the level is at or
> >  below the lower line."
> >
> >
>************************************************************************
> >  Since both of you refuse to consider hard data presented, then
>who's the
> >     [choose your descriptive word] here? Too bad you can't accept
>input,
> >  too hard-headed and know-it-all, wonder how any improvements happen in
> >  the world with the Idea Police on guard!
> >
> >  Karl
> >
> >
> >  dylan friedman wrote:
> >  > Terry,
> >  > I have discussed this same topic with just as credible engine
>builders
> >  > and racers.
> >  > I receiving the same answers and found the laughing to be louder
>than
> >  > waterboxer tapped out on the highway.  I thought this was common
> >  > knowledge, but had to check as well.  if someone wants to run
>there wbx
> >  > low on oil and feel good about it, I think many know they have
>pulled
> >  > the pin on that gernade.  Fire in the hole!
> >
> >
> >   To leave this list send an 'empty' message to
><mailto:vanagon-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com>
> >
> >
> >
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