Date:         Thu, 1 Feb 96 10:40:22 EST
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         sas@xyplex.com (Scott Sminkey - Sustaining Eng Group)
Subject:      Re: wasserboxer oil buzzer warning = Fram

Dan Houg <fairwind@northernnet.com> wrote:

>On my last oil change 300 mi. ago, i used a Fram filter because i didn't 
>have a VW one on hand... Anyway, the oil light and buzzer had 
>started going off at specifically 2200 RPM.  above that or below that 
>RPM it behaved.  actually, it seemed to go off most when the rpm was 
>up around 3000 or higher and then hit 2200 on the downsweep.  Picked 
>up 6 Autobahn filters at the dealer for $7.50 ea.  put one on and the 
>problem is cured.  period.  same oil. same conditions except for the 
>filter.  i'll blame the Fram, thank you.

Interesting, Dan... Since the day I bought my '91, I've had this exact
problem regardless of Fram or Autobahn filters. At about 60,000 miles,
I still have it. I've been assured by service people that the oil pressure
is fine. After three warranty visits, where the dealer replaced the dynamic
oil pressure system control board and substituted an Autobahn filter for
my Fram, I gave up on the imcompetent dealer and have learned to live with
it. I use a different dealer for service now, so when I take the camper in
for 60,000 mile service, I think I'll ask them to give it a shot.

Dan, although the Autobahn filter fixed your buzzer annoyance for now,
I'll be curious to see how things pan out over time.  I haven't talked to
many other wasserboxer owners face to face, but three or four of the ones
I have spoken to also have seen the damn buzzer problem. One dealer had the
unmitigated gall to tell an owner that the buzzer/light is to tell you to
upshift!

I like your theory, though. I'll have to have a talk with the service
people about it when I take my camper in...

Scott
'91 Vanagon Camper
=============
Scott Sminkey, Sustaining and Specials Eng.   Xyplex.Inc.
ssminkey@xyplex.com                           295 Foster St.
508 952-4792  fax 508 952-4887                Littleton, MA 01460