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Thu Jul 08, 2004 3:00 pm

I read on here somewhere that a simple way to test engine heat was to pull out the dipstick after driving. Believe they said you should be able to touch the dipstick and it should be hot, but not too hot to touch. Is this right? I attempted this and have multiple blisters and such. Hope it's not just a low tolerence for pain...doubtfully so :twisted: Also, how much oil should you expect the motor to drip on average after driving? if any...

Thu Jul 08, 2004 3:08 pm

They say you should be able to hold the dipstick for a ten-count. If you don't make it to ten, you are running hot.

How much oil should leak? None! But in the real world, we know better. :evil: My Square leaves 2 drops of oil when/where ever I park it. Doesn't seem to matter if I drove 2 miles or 20; 2 drops, no more.

It's more practical to see how much oil you use, over time. Then you'll know when it gets worse.

Thu Jul 08, 2004 5:15 pm

the dipstick test is easier in a bug or bus. the dipstick is much shorter, so the heat disapates less. but in a type 3, the dipstick is pretty close to the exhaust. I don't know if the dipstick test really works on a T3

I dont count to 10, on a bug or bos, I pass it between hands. If I can do that a couple times without burning myself, it's cool enough.

Thu Jul 08, 2004 6:11 pm

I don't use the dipstick test for a Type 3 but I guess you could grab it near the top after you pull it out.

Don't grab the end with the oil level on it, that might hurt.

Thu Jul 08, 2004 6:24 pm

EverettB wrote: I don't use the dipstick test for a Type 3 but I guess you could grab it near the top after you pull it out.

Don't grab the end with the oil level on it, that might hurt.

I must have missed that part on the post before. Figured I'd grab the end with the oil on it. Lesson learned...anyone have suggestions for gauges that aren't overly expensive?

Thu Jul 08, 2004 6:27 pm

junkyard :wink:

Thu Jul 08, 2004 7:02 pm

typfasty wrote: ...anyone have suggestions for gauges that aren't overly expensive?

Define "overly expensive". I got my VDO oil temp gauge and drain plug sender for $40 at my FLAPS.

Thu Jul 08, 2004 7:13 pm

weedzie1@yahoo.com wrote: typfasty wrote: ...anyone have suggestions for gauges that aren't overly expensive?

Define "overly expensive". I got my VDO oil temp gauge and drain plug sender for $40 at my FLAPS.

I wouldn't consider that expensive. I was reading through some pages on gene berg's site and them stating that less expensive gauges almost always gave bad readings. They had mentioned VDO in there.

Thu Jul 08, 2004 7:16 pm

I've had good luck with VDO gauges, even the Malaysian made ones. I bought a cheapo off-brand set of triple gauges once(volt/temp/pressure), the only one that ever worked right was the voltmeter.

Fri Jul 09, 2004 8:37 am

Quote: I wouldn't consider that expensive. I was reading through some pages on gene berg's site and them stating that less expensive gauges almost always gave bad readings. They had mentioned VDO in there.
Some of the stuff on the GB site is dated and this is one of them.

Fri Jul 09, 2004 8:51 am

There's another test you could do that someone told me about years ago, saves you getting oil on your hands to :wink: , is to feel how hot the inlet manifolds are ( not so easy on a type 3 I know ).
If they are too hot to touch then the engine is running hot. You should be able to put your hand on them and they just feel warm.
It's worked for me in the past. :)

Fri Jul 09, 2004 9:05 am

I've used a kitchen thermometer in the past, I put the tip on the case or on the oil cooler. It's fairly accurate, although you can't see the temperature while you are driving.

I have also had people tell me if you spit on the case and it sizzles, you are running hot.