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Sat Mar 22, 2003 12:32 pm

I'd like to install an oil temp guage on my '81 camper van? I've never done something like this and obviously it can't be an in-line sensor (I don't think). Does the job require welding?

One more question. I'm finding a different oil filter size in all of the brands I've looked at. My van has a Mahle filter now, but I can't find anyone who carries that brand. Where should I look?

Thanks, Hans

Sat Mar 22, 2003 12:50 pm

As far as the Mahle Oil Filter, you might have to try on line?
Check out Bus Depot.........

http://www.busdepot.com/ASP/tuneup.asp?PartType=T&VehCod=D&B1=Search

Sat Mar 22, 2003 12:59 pm

Okay, thanks. I'll go ahead and get it online then.

Oil temp rigging anyone?

Thanks, Hans

Sat Mar 22, 2003 4:54 pm

There is the dipstick temp and the gauge. Gauge requires you replace your drain plug with the temp sensor. Wire goes from that to the gauge. Ground then hot wire for the gauge. The dipstick I don't remember fully but I remember hooking it into the pressure sender so the light on your dash flickers on when the temp reaches a set point. You will hear arguments for and against each one. I have the gauge by VDO and it works fine for me.

Sat Mar 22, 2003 5:49 pm

I have a dipstick gauge in my 72. It takes five minutes. It comes with a T spade connector and all you do is wire it to your oil switch. Just file two marks (like on your dipstick) onto the brass rod to check your oil.

Sat Mar 22, 2003 6:47 pm

Thanks for the replies. Jeff, it sounds as if you are implying that there is a pre-fab gizmo available. Is that correct?

Hans

Sat Mar 22, 2003 8:03 pm

Haven't installed mine yet, but this is from Bus-Boys.com:

"72-83 Buses and Vanagons tend to run a little on the warmer side, so an external oil cooler may be needed to bring the temp in-line. Dipstick Senders are not recommended for the Type 4 style engines (72-83) as they are not long enough to reach into the case to accurately inform you of both the oil temperature and correct oil level. In addition, our experience has been when using a Dipstick Sender that it can be very inaccurate (reading temp too high). Oil Plate mounted Temp Senders are usually more reliable for an accurate reading."

-=Rob

Sat Mar 22, 2003 8:43 pm

Okay, I see the guages on Bus-Boys. I didn't realize that there were pre-made solutions.

Hans

Sat Mar 22, 2003 9:10 pm

I bought mine through Gene Burg. It is long enough to check my oil, I just had to mark it with a file where the oil level marks are from my stock dipstick. I don't like after market gauges on or under my dash. But that is just me!

JEFFRO

Sun Mar 23, 2003 7:37 pm

I've used both in a type IV engine and the Gene Berg dipstick was very simple and long enough to reach the oil for checking the level. I don't have an opinion about it being deep enough in the oil for an accurate temp. I much prefer the VDO sump plate sender and gauge. You can mount the gauge anywhere so you don't have to cut up your dash if you don't want to. To mount the sender you need to drill a hole in the sump plate at the corner right rear corner of your engine. Not the plate in the center with the screen. Mount the sender, mount the gauge, run a wire from the sender to the gauge and you pretty much have it. The gauge will also need a ground and power wire, but that's pretty obvious. I think this setup costs around $40 and 1-2 hours work. Good luck.

Sun Mar 23, 2003 7:53 pm

We have only found the dipstick senders to fit the '72-'79 engines and not the much longer Vanagon air cooleds. The sump sender and gauge combo work very well. If you're real lucky you can find a VDO original pre-formed sump for the sender.
Happy hunting.
Gordi