VW Cooling in a Spyder

Aloha,

Do these cars have problems cooling since it is not a completely air-tight engine compartment? I know in my '67 Bug, if there's the tiniest leak the engine will run hot. I suppose the Spyders aren't meant for idling in traffic, which is where I'd expect them to overheat. At speed, I'm sure they do perfectly fine.

mahalo,
Joel

My biggest fear is that the engine is not getting to proper running temps. I have done some serious hillclimbing in close to 100 degree weather and the gague never hit the middle. In the winter the gague barely comes off the peg.

David Ferlauto
Mtn View Ca
1969 912
2001 beck

David, might be a good idea to check your oil temp with a meat thermometer to see if your gauge is malfunctioning. You can verify the meat thermometer by checking it in boiling water.

I had a replica gauge that always read low due to a bad sender. Checked the temp with the meat thermometer then installed a new sender and got valid gauge readings.

I have the same problem with temp gauge it barly moves. I also discover that the engine runs cooler with full syntec mobile one oil. We installed a switch for the oil cooler fan. I think the problem is the Type 1 VW case and where the heat sensor is mounted just doesn't get the prober oil flow to mesure the temperature.

Also, VDO clearly states NOT to use any kind of thread sealant (like teflon tape) on their senders as they require a very good ground to function properly.

Thanks for that heads up! Now you;ve put the fear into me....
David Ferlauto
Mtn View Ca
1969 912
2001 Beck / Porsche

Aloha,

I wouldn't pay too much attention to how hot the oil is getting. You might want to install a head temperature gauge. IF the oil is getting hot, its because of the heads. I'd rather know about it before, rather than after the fact.

Better yet, maybe you guys should purchase the Gene Berg temperature dipstick. I'm sure you've heard of it. The one that lights up the green idiot light if the oil gets above a certain temp.

aloha,
Joel