Overheating problem SOLVED!, Wished I'd known where to look Options

[Randal]

Finally know what caused those hot (265 degree) runs at Buttonwillow.

It wasn't the oil cooler size or placement. Of course I've spent lots of money and time chasing the oil cooler size and placement, as that HAD to be the problem! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/sawzall-smiley.gif)

It wasn't the tuning, which was totally checked and re-checked. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smash.gif)

The only mechanical thing in my oiling system, other than the accusump and the pump (we had lots of pressure) is the little stainless steel ball that sits in the housing that bolts to the engine. It says VW on the housing, but I'm not sure whether it is stock or not.

In any event, if that little ball comes out of its housing, i.e., if the top ring holding it in place fails, you no longer get oil to the filter, or to the oil cooler for that matter.

Brad wins the prize (yet again) for making me cut the oil filter apart to discover that it was "clean," like unused. Next we took the housing apart and sure enough, the SS ball was totally out of it's housing.

Live and learn.