TheSamba.com :: View topic - 1500 Single Port conversion to doghouse style cooler?

Mon Jun 16, 2025 7:08 am

I was thinking of converting my 1500 single port to a dog-house style oil cooler but I was told there is not much benefit on a single port motor. I understand they provide more efficient cooling and was just wondering if this were true.

Mon Jun 16, 2025 7:37 am

I think it would be of benefit in Texas heat. And chances are pretty good that your 1500 SP engine has been rebuilt in its lifetime, so could be 1600 SP.

When I had 1600cc SP in my 1970 VW, the #3 and #4 spark plug rubber seals would become brittle in a few months due to heat, Arizona. #1 and #2 seals stayed flexible. I now have 1600cc DP in my 1970.

Mon Jun 16, 2025 8:01 am

It sure couldn't hurt.

Mon Jun 16, 2025 8:41 am

the problematic areas of this conversion are figuring out the correct oil cooler adapter to engine case seals and access to the engine mounting bolt/nut behind the doghouse. both are "easily" addressed.

Mon Jun 16, 2025 8:46 am

If you have a small port case then use the "green" seals.

The captive nut can be purchased and easily pressed in.

Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:53 pm

Glenn wrote:

The captive nut can be purchased and easily pressed in.

Can one discuss this operation or share a link about the smart way to install w/o making a mess?

Thu Jul 03, 2025 4:30 am

stevo wrote: Glenn wrote:

The captive nut can be purchased and easily pressed in.

Can one discuss this operation or share a link about the smart way to install w/o making a mess?

To remove a captive nut:

Thread a bolt into it until the threads are flush. Use a drift to tap it out.

Installation, quick 'n' dirty:

Tap it back into the case with a hammer.

Or,

Installation, modest finesse:

Tap it back into the case with a hammer and a block of wood.

Or,

Installation, modest finesse:

Thread a bolt into it until the threads are flush. Use a drift to tap it in.

Or,

Installation, less finesse:

Thread a bolt into it. Tap on the bolt instead of the insert. You'll mar the bolt while the insert stays pristine.

You could actually press the insert into the case using a bolt and washer if you're worried about breaking your case by hammering on it. You'll have to go seriously Neanderthal on it to break it but anything is possible.

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Thu Jul 03, 2025 5:58 am

Put some grease on the splines before installing.

Thu Jul 03, 2025 6:49 am

Engine Case Nut Insert Captive Nut press-in nut
https://wolfgangint.com/case-components/2883-engine-case-nut-insert-111199102.html

Thu Jul 03, 2025 8:46 am

My '67 survives fine in the Houston heat during the summer with the non-doghouse shroud. The heat in Amarillo is no different. Just make sure your oil is topped off at all times, the screen on the oil cooler isn't blocked, the fan blades are clean and the vanes in the shroud have no obstructions. Have all the cooling tin in place and have it timed correctly as well... Good luck!

Sun Jul 06, 2025 12:31 pm

stevo wrote: Glenn wrote:

The captive nut can be purchased and easily pressed in.

Can one discuss this operation or share a link about the smart way to install w/o making a mess?

The insert isn’t just simple press fit into the older pre 71 case. Need a reamer or step drill up to size and account for interference fit. I’ve done but can’t remember the sizes. Engine needs to be out of the car

Sun Jul 06, 2025 2:12 pm

As far as that insert goes, an easier to install option for an older case may be a Keensert. They use standard or metric drills and taps and can be installed without any special tools.

Has anyone measured the difference between the #1 and #3 head temperatures with the older inline oil cooler vs the doghouse system?

Sun Jul 06, 2025 4:16 pm

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php/viewtopic.php?t=454369

I ran a 14mm drill through the engine mounting hole and, with two washers flat-edged on the grinder to accommodate the lip on the gearbox side and an oversize nut as a spacer, the insert pulled into the case nice and smooth.