Date:         Wed, 19 Jun 1996 09:15:59 -0700 (PDT)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         eugp@uclink3.berkeley.edu (Eugene C. Palmer)
Subject:      Re: 86 Westy Syncro oil pressure woes

>In a message dated 96-06-18 23:22:29 EDT, Grannegeer@aol.com writes:
>
><< 
> After trying everything from using the OEM filter to replacing the sending
> units I bit the bullet and installed a VDO oil press. gauge. Low and behold
>I
> have an actual oil press. problem. After  the van reaches operating temp.
>the
> gauge reads about 6-9 psi at idle and about 22 psi at highway speeds. This
>is
> after a so called reliable dealer assured me that the pressure checked out
>at
> 32psi.. What I'd like to find is what my options are. The van dosen't burn
> any oil or smoke a bit, and it still gets about 18 mpg on the highway. We've
> taken it on some 1000 mile weekends and it runs like a dream, should I be
> concerned or just let it be? It has about 125,000 miles on it. >>
>
>
>What viscosity oil are you using?  If you are using 10-30 or 10-40, that is
>the problem. Especially with a high miles engine.  Try 20-50.  Make sure the
>relief valave is not stickingand has the engine been maintained?  If it is
>full of gunk, the pump inlet screen could be clogging.  I've seen this a
>number of times.  The only cure id a complete teardown,(YUK).  Maike sure the
>cooling system is working properly also and the the oil cooler is getting
>water,  Especialy make sure the crankcase is never overfilled.  I have found
>that these engines run coolest with the level between the marks.  1/4 inch
>above the mark will drive oil temps out of control, even with an external oil
>coler,
>

Um, if I were in this mans shoes I would move right up to a straight 40W oil
for summertime and see if it made a significant difference.  I'd also dump
some teflon junk in to try and gain a little bearing life before they're
gone for good.

Eug,
'71