Date: Fri, 30 May 1997 11:01 -0600 (MDT)
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: BLAINE_BACHMAN%PL-01M3@ccmail.plk.af.mil
Subject: Oil Light Update - Bentley book problems
If you're following this "serial", you might remember that I've been
slowly getting the oil sensing system back to factory specs. The
final problem is that when the oil's hot, the 0.9bar sensor is setting
the system (light and buzzer) off after about a 5-second coasting at
around 2200 RPM. I'm gonna suspect a weak sensor switch and replace
it.
Well, I determined to do the job last evening (after the car cooled
off from the daily commute). Spent the wait studying the Bentley
book.
First problem - the book indicates that one can access the sender by
"sliding the exhaust pipe cover to one side - screw is under the oil
pump" or somesuch nonsense. I'd suggest they send a staffer out to
the parking lot and try this - it bears no relation to the actual car
(at least the '91 - and I DO have the latest edition!).
My solution after "noodling" everything out for about an hour is to
loosen the alternator and get the belt out of the way, then you can
get a 24MM socket over the sender (after the wire's removed). Only
problem is that I need a deep socket. By now it's 8:45, too late to
get to Sears.
Button everything back up (I thought). Take a short test drive, and
hit the sack.
Next morning - off to work. On the freeway when the alternator light
comes on. Here's my exit. Coast off the exit with the engine shut
down, round the corner and pull into a parking lot. Rolled the
alternator (and water pump) belt and it came off the main. I guess it
wasn't tight enough. Not broken, but I recall that a rolled belt is a
dead belt. Nevertheless, I reinstall it so's I can get to the parts
house (service stations are no help any more). It only lasts a mile,
so I call Dad (same guy who accompanied me on the "Odyssey" to buy the
Vanagon) to take me to the place.
Second problem - the book can tell me how to rebuild a wasserboxer,
but their only suggestion as to V-belt installation is somethin like,
"correct belt tension is very important to proper operation of the
engine and accessories - we suggest you have VW service or a competent
repair shop perform this procedure."
Geesh!
-Blaine