Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000 15:34:51 -0700
Reply-To: Patrick Bryson <patrickb@extremezone.com>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Patrick Bryson <patrickb@extremezone.com>
Subject: Re: Valve seat drop on 81 vanagon
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
François,
The oil idiot light comes on when oil pressure is really low. Usually an
indication of no/very low oil or so damn hot it's thinned to viscosity of
water.
If you invest in a gauge, get a good one. If you buy a cheesy gauge, it
could give you a false sense of security or cause unnecessary alarm.
Probably the best defense against overheating is to have the engine properly
tuned and DO NOT lug it. Keep the rpm up with out over reving. This is not
too easy to explain (Like trying to tell a stranger about rock n roll.) but
the engine will easily run hot if you don't down shift when you should.
Patrick
'85 Westy
----- Original Message -----
From: François Vézina <fvezina@sfu.ca>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2000 3:18 PM
Subject: Valve seat drop on 81 vanagon
> Hi all
>
> Last week I lost compression on one piston on my air cooled van
> because of a valve seat that dropped. From what I've seen on the
> type2 list, it is apparently common when the engine is overheating.
> Well I thought those engines were not overheating that much... Some
> fellows suggested that I have installed an oil temperature gauge. I
> remember that some peoples were talking about oil temp gauge on the
> vanagon list not so long ago SO this is my questions.
>
> Does the oil light in the instrument panel indicate low oil or too
> hot oil? (I know it is silly but I don't know)
> If its the latter it did not work last week...
>
> IF I should put an oil gauge is there a particular type to choose or
> the one at say Canadian Tire is OK?
>
> How long would it take to a mechanic to install it ($$$???) (I'm not
> really good in mechanic).
>
> I'm gonna go in Alberta with the family in two weeks (from Vancouver)
> so I don't want to bust another valve because my van is loaded and
> overheat in the rockies...
>
> Any suggestions?? comments??? experiences??
>
> Thank's it is appreciated
>
> François
> François Vézina M.Sc.
>
> Department of Biological Sciences
> Simon Fraser University
> 8888 University Drive
> Burnaby BC.
> V5A 1S6
>
> Voice: (604) 291-5422
> Fax: (604) 291-3496
>