Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:33:45 -0500
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: oil, was Tires- 16" recommendations?
In-Reply-To: <SNT139-W63B0DD053CC6DBFCC13002B8E00@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Kevin, first, Welcome to the list!
Check the archives for oil, oil pressure, and related, and you'll be reading for months. But, you don't have months. It is possible you have one or more of multiple problems, including nothing really wrong. First, change the oil to a 15w50 (if staying with Mobil 1) or 20W50. The oil in the van now is for modern cars with extremely close internal tolerances. If you have the owner's book, confirm there that my recommendation is correct. But it is. In summer, if you drive at temperatures that regularly top 100 F, use a 40W oil, according to the book, rather than a multi-grade. It may be that your only problem is too light an oil.
It is also common for owners to screw up the oil pressure monitoring system on these vans. There are two sensors, one for low rpms, one for high. Each responds to different pressures. Sometimes folks put the wrong sensor in a given place. The sensors themselves can go bad. The wires can go bad. The buzzer and/or the light can go bad. Or, worst case, on an old engine, it might just be worn out, and using the light oil would exacerbate the pressure problem if that is the case. Do not look to the oil pump as the cause. that is extremely unlikely.
Lots of folks have found that adding an aftermarket oil pressure gauge gives them more security that the pressure is adequate (should be above 5 psi at idle, and around 30 psi or higher when warmed up and running at speed, and much higher both at idle and at speed when cold). Some folks also like to add an external oil cooler (google tencentlife for a good one) if they regularly drive at high temperatures. I realized the need for the external cooler when I saw the oil pressure jump from about 15 psi to about 45 psi when I drove into a thunderstorm and the ambient temperature dropped from just over 100 F to 50 F.
Again, welcome to the list, and to the very frustrating but often very satisfying world of the VW camper owner. My wife and I have had a world of fun with ours, and after getting lots of things straightened out, we don't hesitate to drive it cross country, through mountains and deserts, into remote locations.
For some things that new owners should consider right away, look at a web site called roadhaus.com. Neat site anyway. Lots of folks replace fuel lines, a plastic part in the main fuel line that passes through the firewall, and coolant hoses, for insurance sake. Bad fuel lines can cause fires, and that plastic part has been known to disintegrate spontaneously when old.
David McNeely
mcneely
---- "Kevin ..." <artbear26@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Sorry to butt in here, but I have a question about oil. I am the new owner of a choice 1986 Westy owner and it's looking like oil change time. I was out last weekend and the oli pressure warning light and buzzer came on. Since the buzzer's so old it sounded more lke a vibrator or somethnig. I take it to mean the pressure was low (?) The previous owner was using Mobil 1 5/40. Would different oil make a difference? And what about additives? I've read a lot of things about adding those.Kevin> Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:50:05 -0400
> > From: d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM
> > Subject: Re: Tires- 16" recommendations?
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >
> > My suggestion would be a 225/60-16. There are a lot of choices in this size
> > including extra load (XL) choices. Even a standard tire in this size will
> > have a 97 or 98 load index. Just make sure the inflation pressure can go to
> > 44 psi. If you really want taller you can go to a 215/65-16. Avoid this if
> > an automatic. Nokian has some real good offerings in both these sizes if you
> > want to spend some money. I also now have a source of 17" wheels which are
> > working out real nice with 225/55-17XL tires. Make sure the wheel you choose
> > has adequate load capacity and proper offset.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> > Rob
> > Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 1:33 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Tires- 16" recommendations?
> >
> > I'm going to upgrade to 16" tires on my '84 Westy.
> > Any specific recommendations?
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Rob
> >
> > becida@comcast.net
> > Western Washington State, USA
>
--
David McNeely
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