Date:         Mon, 18 Sep 2000 18:37:48 -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
Subject:      1.9L Woes....
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Well, I've got somewhat of a long fact case to go with this
question.  Yes, groan, it's about the idiot light for oil
pressure.

I bought my vanagon ('84 Westy, 1.9L) in March.  At that
time, I changed the oil (20W50, Valvoline) and used a
Mann/Mahle filter.  I changed it again in early May using
the same stuff as before.  The engine has 110K miles, and as
far as I know, only 'the heads have been redone."  (This is
the vague description given by the PO who did none of his
own maintenance and didn't have any records of the work).
The engine does not show any signs of leaking coolant.

During the heat of this summer here in Phoenix, I noticed
that my oil light comes on at idle after driving the vehicle
for an hour or so.  I rev the engine and it goes out.

About a month ago, Karl Wolz suggested that straight 50
weight worked well in his during the summer heat.  So, I
changed the oil and filter and used Valvoline 50wt.  It did
a little better, but still did not go away.

Last weekend, I posed a question about removing the oil
pressure relief valve.  Having researched some of this
problem on the list and various websites, I wanted to check
the condition of the spring and look for any debris or
clogs.  Everything was clean.

I replaced the oil but not the filter this weekend.  (it's
been only 600 miles since the last oil change.)  This time I
added a quart of Marvel Mystery Oil with the new oil to see
if it could dislodge any crud--a sort of lite version of the
ATF engine flush.

Now my oil light comes on at idle only after about 20
minutes of stop and go driving.

I should mention too that I've had an oil leak ever since I
got the van.  It seems to be coming from the seal on the oil
pump or the front seal around the main pulley.

My next step is to take this to a local mechanic and have an
oil pressure guage hooked up.  (I haven't installed a VDO
yet.)

Is there a way to tell if I've got a bad oil pump or if it's
a bearing that's "fixing to fail" by using this pressure
guage?  Or is it a case of "change the pump and see if that
works..."?

If I'm going to be buying a new engine, I'd hate to go
through the expense of having a new oil pump put on my old
one.

Thanks for any ideas!

Dave Nadeau
'84 Westy
Phoenix, AZ