Silly VDO oil temp gauge

I fitted a VDO oil temp gauge with the compatable VDO sender last weekend. I tapped the sender in the T3 block off spot in the case. To my surprise the gauge was reading 125*C after about 25mins driving. At this stage I am getting pretty worried about that reading as it seems a little to high. I then got a digital probe thermometer and checked the temp down the dipstick. The dipstick temp reads 90*C when the gauge reads 125*C
Seems like the gauge is way off. I knew VDO gauges are not renown for accuracy but 35*C???
I tested the dipstick thermometer in boiling water and it was spot on 100*C.
My question is can you put a resistor in the sender circuit to give accurate readings ? or just live with the 35*C difference.

When you say compatible sender, I assume you definately checked it was correct by checking the range printed on the sender is the same as the max reading on the gauge face...ie, water temp gauge (commonly used (correctly) for oil temp on an a/c vw) 120 * full scale and 120* sender; as opposed to the oil temp gauge (150* full scale) and 150* sender.

Hey mate, the gauge is a half sweep and reads 60 to 200*c on the face.
The sender has 150*c stamped on the side.
I told the place that I got the sender from the gauge info and thats the sender they sent me.
Is that the problem?
Seems like I got the wrong sender?

Can you easily set it up in some boiling water and see what it reads??

Bizarre wrote:Can you easily set it up in some boiling water and see what it reads??

Yeah, I think I will do that tomorrow

alien8 wrote:Hey mate, the gauge is a half sweep and reads 60 to 200*c on the face.
The sender has 150*c stamped on the side.
Seems like I got the wrong sender?

yep there's your problem !!

well the boiling water test proved it beyond a doubt. dip stick thermometer read 99*c, gauge and sender read 125-130*C.
Maybe I print up a little scale and stick it to the gauge.

I feel much better my engine is not overheating.🤪

or get the correct sender? 🙂

And you told us you had a 'compatable' sender.....

Must be same dude that is always sending me the wrong shit🤓

just buy a new sender 😉...............I'll have a look around I may have one here for you.

Craig Torrens wrote:just buy a new sender 😉...............I'll have a look around I may have one here for you.

Cool ,let me know if one turns up mate and I will swap it over.

If its has a 1/8 npt that would be even better. Tapping the block with the oil still in it was a pita😂

Hey Craig, you would happen to have a spare lowered sway bar for a S Beetle would ya?

Sorry no luck on the sender..........it's the same as what you have now.

And no to the swaybar!