Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:09:35 -0400
Reply-To: A2L1 <mr.a2l1@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: A2L1 <mr.a2l1@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: 2.1 water cooled need suggestions as to why the oil alarm is on
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Hi all,
I have completed a repair fest on my 1991 2.1 water cooled Vanagon GL. I did
this over a couple weeks doing a little at a time. So here is the saga.
Well the water pump is on and not leaking, the system was bled and is
holding. I replaced the valve cover gaskets and oil filter, changed the oil
with 20-50, and replaced all the belts and beefed up the brackets for the
alternator. Installed an brand new battery. Bled the brakes all around.
Replaced the broken dipstick and tube. All set, right?
No..... First off the radio will turn on and nothing not even static. I am
pretty sure this has nothing to do with replacing the battery but it worked
fine before. The biggest problem is with the oil sensor. I decided to give
the van a "run in" just to be sure all was right with everything before
putting it back to daily use. I took it for a drive of about 45 minutes or
so. Stopped twice for a few minutes each time, drove in some light traffic.
Cruised at 45 or so for a bit then did about 20 minutes at 60-65. Everything
was good. Started up each time no drag no problems. The temp gauge never
went to 1/4, and when I was bleeding it and had it at idle for 1/2 hour it
did get as far as the indicator light (about 1/2) and the fan did cycle a
couple of times so I know it works. I guess there was enough air blowing by
to keep it from getting hot enough for the fan. The outside temp here today
was only in the low 80s.
So here is the issue. I was feeling spunky and on the return from the test
drive I did a real sharp right turn onto my street not a racing move or
anything but a sharp slide you in your seat turn. Well at that instant the
oil alarm came on and the light started flashing. It was about minute to the
driveway and then I shut it down. I checked the oil on the dipstick and it
was about a 1/4 inch over full, I allowed a little too much for the oil
filter when filling after the change. There was no burnt odor from the
compartment and it didnt seem overly hot considering I just did about 20
minutes at 65 or so. The coolant level was right where it was at the start
so there is no coolant loss and the temp gauge never went above the 1/4 mark
and no flashing light for the temp. All the belts and hoses look good and
there are no fluids anywhere on the motor.
Any idea what caused the oil light to flash and set the buzzer alarm? I am
at a loss. I dont think it was something as simple as the quick turn and a
second of low level reading by the sensor because the alarm didnt quiet down
and the light never stopped flashing when it straightened out nor on the
rest of the block long drive to the driveway.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
A J
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mr.a2l1ATgmailDOTcom