Date:         Sun, 23 Mar 1997 20:38:10 -0500
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Bobby K. Winter" <cen13504@centuryinter.net>
Subject:      Re: Installed VDO/PSI Gauge = oil light on at idle?

Help.

While on spring break this week I discovered the oil light and buzzer on
my 87 vanagon.  It was very startling given that I didn't know there was
such a thing.   I limped the van home(100 Miles).  I hope I didn't fry
something.  The light and buzzer came on when the tach fell below
2000k.  If I tapped the gas pedal the light went off. The first thing I
did was make sure there was enough oil, there was.  The van was parked
for three months before this trip.  Please tell what it all means. I
don't have a owners manual.       
 			 ANY Information will be appreciated!!!!!

Kenneth Winter
87 vanagon
89 Cab
83 Jetta
 

BusBoys@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Hi Charles -
> 
> Keep your sender where it's mounted.  There isn't enough of a pressure loss
> in the length of the VDO hose you're using to cause the light to come on
> prematurely.
> 
> VDO Dual Contact Senders, such as the one you're running typically come on at
> 7 to 10PSI, so you're probably running at about 5 to 6PSI right now.
>  Considering the mileage (130K) on your engine, it's not surprising.
>  Clearance between the bearings (and the oil pump gears to the oil pump
> cover) have increased over it's lifespan so it's to be expected.  Although
> the factory or Bentley does not say what the standard oil pressure at idle is
> supposed to be, it's been generally acceptable to some to have about 7 to
> 10PSI when fully warmed up.  Problem is the VDO (and Stewart-Warner) senders
> are built to kick the light on about then.  In a fairly new and well cared
> for older engine, I prefer to have my idle oil pressure at about 15 to 18PSI.
> 
> No such thing as rebuilding a VW oil pump.  But you can bring new life to the
> pump by removing the pump cover and remachining it nice and flat, taking the
> gear swirls out of it that's causing the clearance.  Oil pressure should
> increase a bit after re-installation.  Use a new gasket and use only
> Gasgacinch(tm) to seal it as this sealer is very thin, but seals very well.
>  There has to be a minimum tolerance between the gears and the pump cover for
> the oil pressure to develop properly.
> 
> New pumps are easy to find from us or at any FLAPS.  Don't cornfuse the local
> FLAPS by telling him you want a pump for a Wasserboxer - chances are he or
> she won't find it in the books (unless they're looking in the right ones of
> course).  It's the same pump used on any 72-79 Beetle 1600  (VW#
> 111-115-107BK) and they're not that expensive (especially if you don't say
> Vanagon Wasserboxer ;-).....)  Whatever you do, don't get the 111-115-107AK
> pump 'cause the gear tongue won't be long enough to reach the camshaft that
> is to propel it (this pump fit the earlier 1600 dual reliefs with the 3 rivet
> camshaft [You have a 4 rivet-dished cam] - only used in 70 and most of 71
> Beetles and Buses).
> 
> Just keep your eye on the gauge and try to ignore the idiot light until
> you've finished moving and had a chance to get to the oil pump.  Hope this
> helps ya out.
> 
> Jim
> BusBoys@aol.com
> http://www.c-zone.net/jim96003/busboys.htm