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To pick up on a thread:
>The reason I didn't go external filter was ...
My '71 Type II ("Hitler's Revenge") has a 2110 cc engine that FORMERLY
had an external oil filter and two remote thermostatically controlled coolers.
Slicker'n goose grease...except the system was an absolute nightmare for leaks.
This past weekend I dropped the engine and replaced the whole sheebang with
the original upright stock oil cooler. Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. I will
have to monitor oil temperature pretty closely. To this end I have ordered
a Gene Berg oil temperature dipstick...and I will run my cylinder head temp gauge
also.
Lemme tell you volks what my experience is with "custom" installations. My
dual Dellortos are a king-size headache when routine maintenance is called for
or when the engine needs to come out/go in. Can't come close to reaching the
spark plugs behind them. The Dellortos are great when adjusted perfectly, but
awfully touchy in the hands of an incompetent like me. The oil system, as I mentioned,
has been totally immune from stopping the leaks.
What it all comes down to is this little moral.... all this custom stuff is GREAT if you
are a natural born mechanic who understands how everything works and knows how to do it
right. However, some of us are motor morons...or, in my case even worse, a librarian!
I have come the full circle... now I have great appreciation for the stock simplicity,
managability, and reliability of the original VW designs for someone like me who will
never be a competent mechanic no matter how many times I take things apart and put 'em
together.
For those of you who are mechanically inclined and talented, let me just say...I hate you!
No, no, sorry, I meant "envy" you.
If there are other novices in the same situation, may I suggest that you "keep it
simple" or find a really good mechanic buddy who (for a case of beer, of course) will
straighten out whatever you did.
Your thoughts on this attitude?
Best...
Phil
dillard@suu.edu