forwarded from the Tiico list.....

Hi everybody,       The engine is acting a little squirrely again.  I've been getting a lot of clatter from the valves.  Since this is not a diesel semi, I decided to check the oil level and pressure.  Level is fine, using Mobil 1 15W-50.  I bought an oil pressure gauge at Walmart for $6 and installed it (it is the tube type, not electric, so it doesn't go all the way to the dash.  It's mounted in the back, where I can see it in the rearview mirror).

I started up the engine, which was slightly warm.  The gauge read 70 psi at idle.  So I revved it to 2000 rpm, got 90 psi.  At 3000 rpm, pegged it at 100 psi.  So I let it idle a little bit more.  The pressure eventually dropped to 50, but still climbed rapidly with any acceleration.

So, what the hell is this all about?  I've heard of folks seeing 80 psi when barreling down the highway, but rolling down my block at 15 mph?  I've also heard that too much pressure is bad for the engine.  What could be causing this high pressure?  And can high pressure cause valve clatter?

If anyone else has figures to offer, please write back.  I will be checking through the Vanagon archives and looking up specs for Golfs on the Internet.  Thanks.

Bill Marshall 85 GL Tiico "Pandora's Box" Bradenton FL