Simple Installation

So what is it, and how does it work?

By simply replacing your original dipstick with our Hot Oil Sensor, then attaching an 20" wire (included with the kit) to the oil pressure switch, you immediately begin to monitor your engine's oil temperature.
Now you finally know when your engine is running too hot !

From this point forward the light at the bottom of your odometer serves two functions. While continuing to monitor your oil pressure it now provides the data from your Hot Oil Sensor as well. Now, when your engine oil reaches 225 degrees F the light will begin to flicker, indicating that you are approaching an unsafe operating temperature. Simply reduce your speed and the light will typically stop flickering, indicating your oil temperature has fallen to a safe operating temperature once again.

If your oil temperature continues to rise to 235 degrees F the light will remain on, solid. This is the temperature at which we recommend pulling over at the first safe opportunity in order to investigate the issue.

So simple that VW would be proud.

Typical installation time is five minutes. And it's even faster to remove when entering your "bone stock" VW in a classic show. Even better, there's no additional gauges to mount on your dashboard, something for which we take tremendous pride. After all, simplicity is the trademark of this fine little car and our Hot Oil Sensor manages to honor, not alter that concept. After your installation you'll have an early warning device. Nothing more, nothing less. Simple, clean and reliable. Just like your Volkswagen.

But now you've added Peace of Mind too. . . affordably !

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We Guarantee Your Satisfaction. Within 30 days of your order date if you are not 100% satisfied with your Hot Oil Sensor simply return it for a full refund, minus shipping charges. No Questions Asked.

Calibration Information

Follow the instructions below to calibrate your Hot Oil Sensor. It's simple!

Please note that we calibrate the Indicator Wire to ground against the screw at approximately 230 degrees (F). The initial warning will then begin as a "Flicker" at approimately 225 degrees (F). Since we often meet customers with Hot Oil Sensors from the 1970's, 80's and 90's there may be a time when you wish to confirm calibration. Here's how:

Bring to a vigorous boil, 2" of water.*
Place the Hot Oil Sensor in the boiling water. The copper Indicator Wire should be roughly in the 6:00 position prior to the boiling water and within 15 seconds of entering the boiling water it will be roughly 3/16" from grouding out against the screwhead.
Adjust to meet your needs by loosening the lock nuts.
Twist the set-screw assembly until it touches the copper wire at your desired temperature. (We continue to recommend 230-235 degrees F.)
Tighten the Set-Screw.

NOTE: Please perform the tests above in a closed environment. There will be hot surfaces and the Hot Oil Sensor will be hot to the touch as well.

When the correct calibration has been reached simply tighten the set screw, apply a drop of fast drying, high quality glue to adhere the set screw assembly to the brass tube. This will prevent it from moving and should last for many more years.

And as a final word about the calibration temperatures, we have operated air-cooled VW's for decades. The dash light illuminates infrequently and generally only on the freeway when we push our engines abnormally hard, on unusually hot days at high speeds, or when we are pulling long hills with extra weight. If the light flickers simply slow your speed. If the light goes out then your temperature has dropped. If the light goes solid, or continues to flicker, pull to a safe location to check that you haven't lost oil pressure.

*Water will boil at different temperatures, at different elevations. Should you be at a higher elevation, where you have concerns about accuracy, we suggest including a thermometer to compare against. Candy thermometers work well and can be found at many large retailers for around $10.

Installation