FAQ 109

Question: I am a new bug owner. I have a kit car with a 1974 bug engine. There is an oil temperature gauge installed and it will reach 230 degrees F. Do you believe this is too hot? I checked the fan, control flaps, changed the oil. It runs strong but I was concerned on the temp. The only thing I am thinking is the lack of air flow. It is pushing a 1929 Gazelle kit. I just installed an add-on oil filter kit.

Answer: My first reaction is to say that 230 degrees F is high, but I'm not sure. If it is high, it isn't very high.

I've never been able to get my gauge to work (I haven't tried too hard). Mounting my temp sender in the drain plug seemed like a good idea, but the max temp there is only about 125 degrees, so I just need to mount the temperature sender in a better location.

I'd guess normal is more like 200-220, but I'm not sure. I think most water cooled cars run with a water temp of somewhere between 180-220. Oil temp is probably higher than the water temp.

Two things:

- Does the oil pressure light come on when the car is hot and idling? If the oil pressure is good, that is a good sign.

- Are the cooling flaps opening? This is hard to tell. Look at the round accordian thing between cylinders 1 and 2 (right hand side of the engine. Check it when cold. Go for a drive. Check it when hot (don't burn yourself). It should be taller. I think it grows about 1/2 inch, and that pushes the flaps open.

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