Date:         Tue, 8 Aug 2006 12:09:35 -0400
Reply-To:     Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Oil Light
In-Reply-To:  <e212c6e22a35a.44d86a95@optonline.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Thank you all. The light is blinking while moving/and at idle. The first
time I was running at approx 55 and had been running for about 15-20 min.
The second time was at much lower city speed and a lot of stop and go.

I just changed the oil and I put 15w 40 in it. So maybe I need a higher
weight oil. I'm not sure what type of filter I put on. I asked for a Bosch
but they were out so I took what was there at Auto Zone.

It is possible that the oil level is a bit low as well. So I'll check that
after work.

I appreciate all the responses - From what you have all said I should be OK
- just go to a higher weight oil - double check the level and keep an eye on
it. I don't see any leaks and the buzzer Dennis mentioned didn't go off (if
it works). If my conclusion sounds wrong please let me know.


On 8/8/06, dhaynes@optonline.net <dhaynes@optonline.net> wrote:
>
> 86 and later has what is known as the "Dynamic" oil pressure warning
> system.
> The dynamic is that it has two sensors, with each being checked depending
> on engine RPM.
> The low pressure, (.3 bar) sensor is located between the push rod tubes on
> the drivers side of the engine. It is normally closed, completing the
> circuit to ground until sufficient oil pressure causes it to open. When it
> is closed, the oil pressure warning light will flash.
> The higher pressure switch, (.9 bar), is located directly off the oil
> pump, found under the water pump. It is reverse acting, that is it is
> normally open, closing or completing the circuit when the oil pressure
> satisfies it. This is sort of a fail safe since a broken wire or bad
> connection will keep the circuit in warning. This switch is monitored when
> the engine RPM is above 2,500. In warning, you will get both the blinking
> light and a buzzer. Once the buzzer sounds, it will continue until the
> circuit is closed, (satisfied) or the ignition is turned off.
>
> You don't say what the conditions are with your blinking light. An
> occasional blink at idle after a hard run indicates a bad switch or low oil
> pressure issue. Intermittent while running could be a bad switch or shorted
> wire. If you have low oil pressure, I would suspect the high pressure
> warning will also sound unless someone attached the sensor wire to ground.
> Seen that many a time.  I've even seen the oil pressure warning board
> removed to silence things.
>
> What viscosity oil are you using? 20w-50 or something close to it is
> needed. This will have an effect on oil pressure. Also, the oil level is
> extremely important. You want the level between the marks. The upper mark is
> not the full mark. It is the maximum do not ever exceed no matter what mark.
> This is extremely critical during high speed, high load operation.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Dennis
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
> Date: Tuesday, August 8, 2006 10:13 am
> Subject: Oil Light
>
> > Just a quick question. I've got the 86' running (and stopping) and
> > have put
> > about 200 miles on it locally. Anyhow, today the oil light started
> > blinkingfor about 2 minutes and then stopped. It did this a few
> > times. My previous
> > bus was an 85' and that oil light never blinked it would just come
> > on steady
> > when there was an issue. So what does the blinking mean exactly?
> > Thank you
> > for any replies and sorry for the elementary question.
> >
> > --
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Jeff
> >
>



--
Thanks,

Jeff