<VV> Head Temps: New thoughts

[George Jones]

Not sure I agree with that train of thought. That's like putting your head
in the sand.

To some extent, each engine does operate at a different temp. The reason
that you want that gauge is to DETERMINE the operating range that YOUR
engine runs in, then you will know when your engine is operating outside
it's normal operating temperature. Then, you can make the determination if
it is something you want to stop and investigate (and possibly save your
engine from a melt down) or drive on into oblivion. That's why factory
automotive gauges aren't calibrage (or, arguably, accurate). It's not to
tell you exactly what your oil pressure is, or exactly what your temperature
is, it's to provide you with a relative reference to the normal operating
temperature or pressure. That doesn't mean that your gauges are way out in
left field, but I have seen factory gauges that are typically 15-25% off.

Just my 2¢ worth.


On 5/30/07, Stu Padazzo <MonzaProject at comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Along with a '66 Monza 140 convertible, I also own a 78 VW Super Beetle
> with a stroked and "big bored" VW type I engine. After many terrible bouts
> of overheating with the 140 for years I naturally feared the same with this
> "hefty"-ish engine I had in the Beetle. (AND STOP right now if you're going
> to respond with "Beetle engines and Corvair engines are
> different.  Otherwise, there might be a little piece of mind in what
> follows)
>
> I went to my local VW speed shop with the intent of buying this super
> expensive, hi-tech head temp gauge I had heard so much about.  While I was
> there the 30 year master technicial asked me a few enlightening
> questions.  I went something like this:
>
> Tech: "Why do you need to know the head temp?"
> Me: "So I know if and when I'm overheating."
>
> Tech: "How would you know if you're overheating?"
> Me: "Well, I imagine the gauge would tell me."
>
> Tech: "What temp is overheating?"
> Me: "Ummm, I... don't... know.  I was hoping you could tell me that. What
> is considered overheating?"
>
> Tech: "You're really making this a bigger issue than it needs to be?
> Me: "What do you mean?"
>
> Tech: "Every single aircooled engine these days is built ever so slightly
> different than the one next to it. Even if it's stock it isn't going to run
> the same temp as the stock one next to it.  And a modded engine isn't going
> to run anything like the stockers.  Even modern stock aftermarket parts make
> your stock engine run differently.  So what are you going to do with the
> numbers you see from this gauge?
> Me: "So, don't you even have a 'range' that it's supposed to be in?"
>
> Tech: "Does it run fine?"
> Me: Yeah, I guess"
>
> Tech: "Then go enjoy it and quit worrying about ambiguous 'temp' numbers."
> Me: OK.
>
> And I did, with both the Corvair AND the Beetle and I've been MUCH happier
> ever since.
>
> Chris C - now in MI.
> I miss my 61 Greenb and my 63 Rampy RV
> Thanks for all the help in Texas Mark!
>


-- 
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George Jones
Corvair Society of America (Since 1987)
Tidewater Corvair Club (Since 1987)
Central Virginia Corvair Club (Since 2006)
'65 Monza Crown V8 Convertible   http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2397326
'66 Monza Coupe (Custom in work)
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