Date:         Sat, 16 Jun 2007 08:06:20 -0500
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@RCN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@RCN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Intermittent Oil Pressure Issue 87 syncro
Comments: To: RAlanen@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

If the high pressure sensor has been or will be replaced, be SURE that
you get the 0.9 bar sensor, not the 1.2 or 1.8 that some parts guys at
VW will try to give you.
BTDT
Larry A.


Frank Condelli wrote:

>In a message dated 15/06/2007 1:02:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
>LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
>
>Hello  all. I am new to the list, so forgive me for rehashing what seems to
>be a  common issue, but one that has some wierd particulars I have not seen
>in  any discussions thus far. I have I have an '87 syncro GL. Occasionally,
>but  not always, the oil pressure light and buzzer will come on, stay on  from
>anywhere from 1 to 10 seconds, and then (almosts always) go off. This  only
>happens after a period of highway speed driving, and especially when I  slow
>down on an exit ramp. I talked to a mechanic, who suggested that (1)  the
>decrease in speed could cause a temporary drop in oil pressure, (2) the  wire
>to the lower sender could be grounding out and (3) that the spring to  the
>relief valve (I think) could be bad (and that this issue could be  solved by
>stretching the spring thus making it a bit stiffer). Or, the  bearings could
>be bad. I am using 20w-50 oil, and the van runs well  otherwise. It is not
>overheating (just had head gaskets replaced, and leak  down tests say they
>are good now). Another mechanic replaced a bad sender,  drove it a bunch, and
>couldn't replicate the problem. I want to do a long  trip soon, and I don't
>want burn up my engine. Any  ideas?
>
>
>
>
>
>Josh,  this has been covered many times, check the archives for more info.
>In  this case it is ALWAYS advisable to have the true oil pressure tested to
>see if  it's good or maybe the alarm is trying to tell you that the engine
>bearings are  getting worn out.  If the oil pressure tests good then it is
>advisable to  install a permanent oil pressure gauge on the dash so you can monitor
>the  engine's condition.  Make sure that your always using 20w50 oil or 5w50 or
>15w50 synthetic oil with the proper waterboxer engine oil filter with the
>anti flow back valve.  Then change the high pressure oil pressure sender,  the
>one that's below the water pump and hard to change. It can be done, I  do them
>all the time.  This may cure your problem.  Also check  that the wiring to
>that sender is in good condition and the connector near the  thermostat housing
>is in good condition.
>
>Cheers,
>
>Frank  Condelli
>Almonte, Ontario, Canada
>'87 Westy, '90 Carat, '87 Wolfsburg  (Forsale) & Lionel Trains (_Collection
>for sale_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )
>_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
>- Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
>_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
>(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
>_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
>camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10,  2007
>
>
>