Date:         Fri, 17 Oct 1997 23:36:13 -0400
Reply-To:     GMBulley@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         Matthew Bulley <GMBulley@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Oil press. warning buzzer
Comments: To: MLJara@lbl.gov
Comments: cc: burma@compuserve.com, svmktsec@us.ibm.com, james_lamm@merck.com,
          DORIAKRMAN@aol.com, bbulley@mail.sandi.net, jbremmer@wlgore.com

In a message dated 97-10-17 13:22:25 EDT, MLJara@LBL.GOV (Martin Jara)
writes, but I have shortened:

<< The oil pressure warning buzzer/lamp in my westie comes keeps activating
 (with) the proper level of oil in the engine.
...it's almost a daily occurence...it keeps buzzing and blinking for a couple
of minutes then stops... the gauge indicates 0 pressure but as soon as the
buzzing/blinking stop the gauge goes back to normal. I'm tempted to
disconnect the buzzer as it is so annoying.  Any suggestions? >>

Flame me if i am wrong folks, (I'll be on vacation, so I won't know), but it
sounds like a real oil pressure problem.

First off, try using a REAL VW oil filter (Mann?), especially if you are
using a Fram filter. Some folks, (and I ain't one) believe that Fram filters
were made by the devil and are distributed by his minions to spread evil in
the otherwise Holy Vanagon hoard. Certainly there are plenty of stories on
the list to back up this opinion. Try a VW Dealer issued filter.

If that doesn' aliviate the problem, consider the grade of oil you are
using... not how well it studied for a test like A, B, or C, but how thick it
is...20W-50, 10W-40, 5W30, etc. Thinner oils in a hot climate *might* cause
this problem.

If all that doesn't fix your ills, have an honest-to-God oil pressure test
run at a reputable shop. You may have a stuck oil pressure relief piston, or
some other mechanical failure that your little annoying buzzer and gauge are
TRYING to warn you of.

IN ALL CASES, DO NOT IGNORE THESE WARNING SIGNS...AND DON'T DISCONNECT THE
GAUGE OR WARNING LIGHT. These are your safety net. Without oil pressure, your
expensive motor becomes a cheap core charge. Great sadness.

Best o' luck,

gmbulley
cary, nc