Oil Level Sender for my 1.6TD?

[jtanguay]

Just like the subject heading... I'm looking to see if its feasible to install an oil level sender on my 1.6TD.

I've found that vw has oil level senders for their cars since '98 or so.  I'm guessing there could be quite possibly a ton of work involved in retrofitting one on an old diesel block.

Does anyone have any experience changing, or even holding one in their hand?  What do they look like?  My guess is that it is just some type of 'float' system.

I know this isn't really a performance enhancing upgrade, but it would would give greater piece of mind while driving down the road, knowing the engine isn't starving for oil, after say a hard run etc.  Rather than having to open the hood, and check oil level on a regular basis.

The one I checked online was for a passat, and is listed at around $100

Any info appreciated!  Thanks guys!

[jtanguay]

bump. anyone?

[TDForNow]

I guess most are like me, never had the chance to fool with one.

Sorry

Alain

[jtanguay]

I guess most are like me, never had the chance to fool with one.

Sorry

Alain

no prob, thanks for the reply!  I guess I will need to do more research on oil level senders.  maybe build my own

[veeman]

Can you give me an example of what engine these came on? Perahps an engine code?

 I have some dealer specific engine/shop documentation that might give us some details on the systems...

[jtanguay]

they come on the 30 valve V6 in a passat. 98 and up.   New golf/jettas too I believe.  Engine code AHA/ATQ

http://parts.autopartsonlinecanada.com/parts/apocanada/wizard.jsp?year=1998&make=VW&model=PAS--004&category=A&part=Oil+Level+Sender

[Otis2]

I looked into this a while ago because it's such a pain to check the oil on my van.

Yeah, they came from the factory on a few German cars - BMW, Porsche and Mercedes.  Here's one from a Benz for half that price, jtanguay:

http://catalog.masterautoparts.com/item.wws?mfr=HELLA&sku=MBZ013584&price=42.88&orpartno=1537146&cookieID=1SM142BG11SM142BFZ&drillid=8&image=http%3A%2F%2Fcatimages2%2Esophio%2Ecom%2Fwebapp%2Fwcs%2Fstores%2Fservlet%2Fimc%2Fimages%2Ftn%2F1245420017%2Ejpg&clientid=masterautoparts&clientid=masterautoparts

But that kind looks like you'd have to pull the pan and do a fair amount of fiddling to get it working.  

An easier solution would be a simple float switch, like this one that replaces the oil drain plug:  http://www.aircraftextras.com/LowOilSensor.htm

Or higher tech would be a replacement for the factory dipstick, like these ones:

http://www.siemensvdo.com/products_solutions/powertrain/sensors/powertrain/oil-level-sensors/passive-electrothermic-oil-level-sensor.htm

or

http://www.emp-corp.com/html/products/advanced/oil_mgmt/level_sensors.htm

Not sure if this one replaces the dipstick or not:

http://www.siemensvdo.com/products_solutions/special-oem-solutions/sensors/oil-level-sensor/oil-level-sensor.htm

If you experiment in this direction, I'd love to hear the results.

[jtanguay]

EMP advanced products.   I cant wait until they release their electric high flow oil pump.  I've been waiting for a while now

Imaging pre and post lubrication?  no need for a turbo timer

I was also considering their electric waterpump.   Our motors would heat up faster as well if the coolant was just 'sitting' in the head  might put a bit too much load on the alternator though.  And $400USD later... although the american dollar is only $1.10 cdn now

what the heck is their Oil Mate?  Hmm... burns bad oil... introduces clean oil into the bad oil.... interesting... (on EMP website)

The VDO dipstick replacement seems very interesting...  Thats the one I would want!  But where to buy?