VDO Oil Gauge Problem

crussell · #1 (**permalink**) 03-23-2006, 01:37 PM

Hello,

I purchased BDR #282 back in January and I've noticed the oil temp never registers. I do have the remote oil filter setup. The original owner claims it worked fine. Any ideas? Anyone had similar problem? Is there a thermostat that needs changed?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

Speedysnake · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-2006, 01:53 PM

I have BDR #291, no remote filter or oil cooler. In 1300 miles, I have only seen the oil temp. gauge move when on a long drive, or when sitting in traffic on a warm day. There not be anything wrong with yours.

crussell · #3 (**permalink**) 03-23-2006, 06:16 PM

That's what I was wondering as well. I do have a remote cooler so I wasn't sure if that did such a good job it would never register

Thanks for your help.

SkipB · #4 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 03:37 PM

crussell,

My oil temperature gauge used to register a little bit before I added the oil cooler (mostly for looks I'm afraid). Now, it barely moves off the peg. Your 351 probably runs nice and cool, so it may never register.

SkipB

dlampe · #5 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 06:26 PM

I truly believe that most cobra don't rally need the cooler. To get the engine up to optimum temp, there needs to be oil thermastat to allow the oil to go to the cooler only after heating up. This is much better for the engine.

MaSnaka · #6 (**permalink**) 03-24-2006, 11:09 PM

The oil needs to get hot to atleast boil out any contaminates,,,but it takes a good ride on the fwy to get up to 230. What happens when you put something cold on something hot? Stress!!! What temp does your motor run? Mine had a hard time reaching (water temp) 150 before I put the correct t-stat in. The oil would not get hotter than the water. Now with a 195 t-stat the engine runs at 190 and the oil will actually warm up. I have a '64 390fe.

Cashburn · #7 (**permalink**) 03-25-2006, 07:46 AM

I was just doing a thermostat the other day. We sell these Canton ones at a pretty nice price:

NOTE: Zip ties for mockup only.

Speedysnake · #8 (**permalink**) 03-25-2006, 08:48 AM

This thread has my curiosity up, has anyone confirmed that the LDO oil Temp. sending unit is actually in the oil flow? How long is it? Mine is piped off the block in front of the oil filter fitting, and if I'm looking at it right, the pressure sending unit is mounted on a Tee in the pipe. This arrangement makes the temp. sending unit fitting fairly remote from the actual oil flow. When the weather warms up a little, I'll look into it further. Just wondering if someone can confirm the length of the temp. probe. Thanks.

JCoop · #9 (**permalink**) 03-25-2006, 09:05 AM

You may want to check if the sensor is VDO as well. A generic sensor or other brand will NOT work properly. I had both oil pressure and oil temp VDO gauges not working properly on the GT40. When I called the factory, they said I have to use VDO sensors. I got them from Jegs or Summit, replaced the sensors, viola! works like a charm.

Speedysnake · #10 (**permalink**) 05-19-2006, 05:05 AM

I'm still trying to understand the oil temp. sending unit issue with the VDO gauges. With the temp. sending unit connected as shown in pic, should I not expect to see low oil temps? What am I missing here?

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trularin · #11 (**permalink**) 05-19-2006, 05:47 AM

I have always put the oil temp sending unit in the oil pan. Even if I had to weld a fitting in myself.

Ones that rest in the block, pick up the block temp with the oil temp and may skew the reading.

Just my $0.02 worth.