Date:         Sun, 30 Nov 1997 09:13:06 -0800
Reply-To:     Marna & Mike Evans <manx@CATS.UCSC.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         Marna & Mike Evans <manx@CATS.UCSC.EDU>
Subject:      89 Wolfs/Newbie ??
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hi All:
I am a newbie to the list.  I've been "lurking" for about 4 months.  I
bought my 89 Wolfsburg in August from a small dealer, which seemed really
risky, but thanks to the list, I knew what to look for (Thank You Thank
You).  Scored the van for $6200 with 124k on the engine.  Head has been
replaced!  Body pretty good too-interior is excellent.

Love all the goodies that came on the van!  I could probably do without the
fiberglass bumpers, since the front one is cracked from a PO fender-bender
and looks ratty.  But I'm not complaining!  It's an automatic (my first).
The only trouble so far: power steering belt broke.  Glad she is breaking us
in easy.

I have some questions/comments that I would welcome advice on:
1)  I get about 17 mpg in the city and 20-22 on the highway.  Is this normal
for this model?  I may have to rethink using premium fuel so I don't go broke.

2)   I have that damned oil light/buzzer problem.  Luckily, I was reading
the list last time this came up, but the problem persists.  Mechanic
replaced the dynamic sensor chip (board), and did all the Bentley tests.  I
also had him read a couple of postings about where to find corrosion on the
wires and he checked all that (he says).  Can't find problem, and now it is
evolving.  When the temp guage reaches it's normal spot (just to left of
warning light), the oil buzzer goes off randomly and intermittently for
about 10-20 seconds each time and the warning light goes on (solid-not
blinking).  If I rev the engine, it usually stops (but not always).  After
the van has been at this temperature for about ten minutes, the oil light
begins to blink when not on the throttle.  As soon as I hit the throttle,
the light stops blinking.  By this time, the buzzing has stopped and does
not recur until the car has sat long enough to cool down completely (like
during the workday).  Once the light starts blinking, behavior is consistent
(light blinks when throttle not engaged).

I am ready to take the van to my local VW mechanic (the buzzer is driving me
crazy), but know I will have to spend some dough.  I would really like to
have some idea of what the problem could be before I see the shop so I don't
end up replacing stuff that doesn't need it.  Any suggestions on how to
chase this down?  BTW, I have a dynamic sensor if someone needs it.

Thank You,
Marna & Mike Evans
Santa Cruz, CA

'89 Wolfy (Blanca)
'81 VW Truck with '86 GTI engine and interior - just rebuilt (Betsy #4).