Date:         Tue, 9 Sep 1997 13:57:51 -0700
Reply-To:     Scott McDonell <scott@KONNECTIONS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         Scott McDonell <scott@KONNECTIONS.COM>
Subject:      Re: low oil warning light/buzzer
Comments: To: bpremack <bpremack@WAVETECH.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

bpremack wrote:

> My 86 Synchro runs well but has a small quirk.  About 10-30 seconds
> after a
> cold start (at temperatures under about 60 F) the oil warning
> light/buzzer
> come on for a block or two.  They then go off and are not heard from
> again.
>  This happens about half the time, with no discernible pattern.
> Occasionally while driving the oil light will come on for a few
> seconds
> (without the buzzer) and then go off.   The oil level is full and oil
> and
> filter are changed at 3-4000 miles with Valvoline 10-40......

Hi Budd,

Just so happens that I also have an '86 Syncro, and if I run a
multi-viscosity oil like the 10-40 you mentioned, I have similar
low-pressure warning lights and buzzers going off.  I checked with AVP,
from whom I purchased my rebuilt 2.1 waterboxer, and the technician
there told me they never recommend anything but straight 30-weight for
Vanagons.  Well, I'm currently running straight 40-weight for the
summer, and the change took care of the low-pressure problem.  Come the
cold El Nino-based winter that I'm sure is right around the corner, I'll
change to a 20-50, but the AVP guys say to never go to a 5-xx or 10-xx
weight.  Might be worth a try going to a single-viscosity oil.

What do the techies on the list think of using 30-weight versus
multi-viscosity oils?  I'd be interested in having some others confirm
the AVP advice.

As to the Beatles names for your vehicle, my Syncro wears "RANCID"
plates so I'd have to vote for something more punk.

Regards,
Scott McDonell
Ogden, Utah
'86 GL Syncro
'83.5 GL {sold}
'86 Jetta GLX {verrry fast / also sold}
'59 Split Window camper {high school ride / wish I'd kept it}