Engine running hot? - Need advice

This is probably way out there in left field, but is the thermostat ok? It controls flaps in the schroud on mine. From what I've heard and read, some people have taken them out and opened the flaps to aid cooling - not sure if that's a good idea or not. Remco

"To measure is to know..." Anon

Measure the oil temps. Either get a dash gauge or find a meat/candy thermometer that will fit in the dipstick hole.

Road speed is the biggest determinant of engine temp. At 65 MPH on a hot summer day, oil temp can go to 95 to 105C as a rough estimate.

Find out what temps you are actually running before doing anything.

I would not remove the carb screws.

Probably the backfire comes from a hole on the heat exchanger near the position on it connects to the muffler. Look there and you will find it. The mixture is made by the jets not by the screws. The screws are to set the idle mixture only. The temperature on my engine is similar to yours and I also don't know if it is to hot.

Joao

That's an awesome idea, I think I'll get a thermometer as you describe. I don't believe I am overheating but that is a fairly easy way to know.

This one works very well:

This one works very well:

Thanks for all the replies. I've got a list of homework for the weekend.

Joao, I'll check the heat exchange. I never thought of that.

Houdsie

HoHo! Excellent product! Bookmarked.

Jim

Today I made a run with my Bus and it ran cooler than normal. Outside temp 96; oil temp after 30 miles 205 degrees. Forgot to close the engine door after checking oil level before I left. I had no idea leaving the door open would lower the temp 10 degrees or more in this heat.

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Update! Just went outside and I have a flat rear tire. The back two are real old and cracked so I guess the heat can kill old tires also.

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Actually, leaving the engine compartment open is what makes your tires go flat! Geez, didn't you know that??? ;)

nope

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Fixed the tire....It was a nail

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This one works well also;

--

'64 sunroof Beetle '55 semaphore Beetle

WhoooHoooo!! That's the neatest one I've seen yet.

AND an alarm!

That's what I've been using for years :)

(Oven thermometer/alarm)

Jan

Hi All-

I wanted to follow up with an update but also a couple of questions. After my orginal posting, I did the Speedy Jim tip and after 25 minutes on the highway at 65mph on a 90 degree day the temp was 217 F. Seemed high, but in line with the specs. Today I changed the oil and adjusted the valves. All the valves were tight. I did the valves back in October for my first time ever. I assume I made some rookie mistakes. I took the Bug for a ride and she sounded louder. But she had much more pep and the run on backfire seemed to have cleared up. Does it make sense to you pros that my engine would sound louder but still be OK? I don't want to take her for a long drive and damage the engine. Thanks.

Houdsie