Date:         Sat, 18 Mar 2000 19:17:09 -0700
Reply-To:     Dave Nadeau <dave.nadeau@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Nadeau <dave.nadeau@HOME.COM>
Organization: @Home Network Member
Subject:      Oil Changes and Oil Pressure
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I am the new owner of an '84 Westie with the 1.9L liquid
cooled engine, 108K miles.  I got the vehicle this morning,
drove it most of the day, and this evening changed the oil.

I had asked an earlier question on the list about an oil
leak.  Sure enough...copper washer on the drain plug...nope.

It had 10W-40 in it previously.  I knew I wanted to run a
full synthetic, so I went with some 20W-50 (Valvoline) and a
Fram oil filter.  Earlier today, I noticed that at idle the
oil light does flicker and sometimes comes on, but once the
engine makes a few rpm it goes out.  Noting the recent
discussion on oil pressure guages, and this being Phoenix, I
thought the heavier weight would be just the thing.

Now with a fresh 3.7 quarts and new filter, the oil light
won't go out.  I've run the engine for only about 1 minute.
The oil level checks out just fine as well.

Does anyone have any ideas or had a similar experience?  I
don't dare run the engine too long with having some idea of
what's going on.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Dave Nadeau
Phoenix
'84 Vanagon Westfalia