Date:         Sat, 5 Feb 2000 23:05:36 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@HIWAAY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@HIWAAY.NET>
Subject:      New engine - Oil lite is red
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

My new engine just installed in my "88GL has now been test run. All
gauges normal, all fluids normal. Mahle oil filter installed. On start
up, valve train rattled and clacked for 1hr 15 min and then settled
down. That is how long it took for the lifters to load up with oil and
self adjust.  After that all appeared  well. Ran really good.

On the way home from the shop...about half-way....while cruising at 55
mph...in 4th at 3000 rpm. the oil light came on....flickered a few
times, then went out. I sat bolt upright.....can't tell you what went
through my mind. I watched! in a few more moments it flickered again.
Then over time it got progressively worse. I had personally had checked
the oil and it was up to the dipstick mark.

I listened to the engine, no clattering, just smooth running. The engine
temp indicator needle was pegged right on top of the low level warning
light. That was a full needle width cooler that before overhaul. No
indication of imminent engine failure.

Then I noticed that any time I let the engine rpm drop to idle,  the red
oil light would go out. If I stepped on the gas and kicked the engine
rpm up the red light would come on.

The red light  would also come on going uphill, but would go out when
going down hill. But that was only for a time. By the time I got home,
the uphill vs downhill thing made no difference. It was just "on".

I'm totally mystified. Would appreciate any input on this. Needless to
say my frustration level is quite high at the moment.

Thanks

John Rodgers
"88GL driver with a new wbx and a red oil pressure light.