Date:         Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:16:18 -0700
Reply-To:     Josh Ziady <jziady@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Josh Ziady <jziady@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Intermittent Oil Pressure Issue 87 syncro
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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 Ziady