Date:         Mon, 12 Mar 2001 11:41:51 +0200
Reply-To:     Nigel Bennett <NigelB@FOSCHINI.CO.ZA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Nigel Bennett <NigelB@FOSCHINI.CO.ZA>
Subject:      Re: Oil pressure warning
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Hi Brian

I agree with John. On a newly rebuilt engine you should have no oil problems
whatsoever. I also had oil problems before my rebuild. I spent a lot of time
cleaning the INSIDE of my crankcase halves to remove sludge buildup which
was the direct cause of my loss in oil pressure. The oil pump was thrown out
and a new one was installed. Pistons were reused but were thoroughly cleaned
and glass-beaded to remove every last piece of dirt. I also used
steel-backed small end bushings (recommend by the *reputable* shop that did
my machining).

I ran "thin" SAE 30 oil during the initial engine run-in period (1000km,
changing oil & filter at 500km). At 1000km I changed oil filter again and
switched over to 20W50. I drained this after 800km, changed oil filter and
filled up with 20W50 again. Surprise surprise! I have been using FRAM oil
filters and not a whimper from my oil light! (and yes, I DID connect up the
oil pressure senders!)

Regards
Nigel
Cape Town,SA
89/90 caravelle syncro

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