Date:         Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:09:19 -0700
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Fwd: '87 Westy - Oil Change, out of hibernation
Comments: To: mcneely4@COX.NET
In-Reply-To:  <20130314143159.DNVOJ.596896.imail@eastrmwml302>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

Good question, and usually that is reached right after starting a cold engine in cold temps. I did blow up an oil filter once on start up in 15 degree temps using 20w-50 Redline in a freshly rebuilt 2.1.  Didn't have a chance to see the guage at that instant, but it was a 0-80 psi gauge and it must have pegged anyway. 

The point of a guage is to track trends and pressure under various operating conditions--notably decreases with high temperatures and extended running.  Gauges are only useful if you check them frequently, and then you can ignore them (like I did with my used 2.1 13 years ago: http://volksweb.relitech.com/21rodbrg.htm ) but at least be aware there is a problem!

This story demonstrates Dennis' point on oil pressure and WBX main bearings.

Stuart
Older, and maybe wiser

. . . .So, what is "too much" oil pressure in a waterboxer?  Mcneely