Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 12:27:45 -0700
Reply-To: Michael Snow <mwsnow@HOME.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Michael Snow <mwsnow@HOME.COM>
Subject: Re: oil pressure problem
In-Reply-To: <2f.1700da0a.286a0b4d@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
I had the same problem last summer. Start at the beginning of the oil
system (pump pickup tube) and verify oil pressure at every possible
measuring point in the system. The pump should deliver a decent quantity of
oil while cranking the starter. Disconnect the injection pump fuel cutoff
solenoid to prevent the engine from starting. Check for oil flow at the
pressure sender holes in the oil filter mount and the front (in the Vanagon)
of the cylinder head near the heater hose. I don't know about the VW
diesel, but some other engines have occasional problems with a crank bearing
spinning in its saddle and blocking oil flow.
In my case, the oil pickup tube had a 10mm hole in the casting, preventing
the pump from pulling oil from the pan. The pickup tubes are now available
only with a new oil pump from the dealer. List vendors may have another way
to get them separately. The VW dealer price for this unit is about $270.
If you are using cork oil pan gaskets from your FLAPS, the pickup tube may
be higher from the bottom of the oil pan than it should be. You can
actually measure this distance if you remove the oil filler tube from the
pan. The thinner ones from VW are better, IMHO.
Mike Snow
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf Of
Randy Weersing
Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 8:59 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: oil pressure problem
I have a problem with my 82 diesel conversion (85 Jetta 1.9). I've been
driving this rig for 6 years and 80k miles with few problems, but now I have
no oil pressure. A little history: It's always been a little slow to get the
oil pressure up after the first start in the morning. Usually the light goes
off after 5 seconds or so after starting. Sometimes has taken as long as
15-20 sec. but it has always pressured-up. Things that help are a full
crankcase and a fresh oil change and filter, (I use Mann filters). Once, a
couple years ago, it was loosing pressure at speed so I pulled the pan to
find the oil pickup screen plugged with sludge and gunk.....cleaned it up
and
reassembled and the problem was fixed. It's been ok since and very good
lately. Pressure has been up immediately after starting (light goes off
instantly at startup). This morning, I start it up and no oil pressure, even
after running for 30-40 seconds. Checked oil and topped it up (was 1/2 qt
low) and tried again. Still no pressure. I know its not the sender because
the hyd. lifters clatter when the pressure is down.
So.......my question; I have heard that the diesel pan/pump combination as
used on my conversion is known for it's oiling problems but have never heard
any details on the nature of this problem....cause, cure, etc. Anyone out
there have any insight into this? Thanks for any help.
Randy Weersing,
Eugene, OR
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