Date:         Tue, 7 Apr 1998 23:28:58 -0400
Reply-To:     EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject:      Re: Before I buy an engine ...
Comments: To: Jeff Howard <howard@AUR.ALCATEL.COM>
Comments: cc: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
In-Reply-To:  <352A5F21.A0F7A43A@aur.alcatel.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

On Tue, 7 Apr 1998, Jeff Howard wrote:

> I'm about to buy a remanufactured long block from Fast German Auto
> to solve my low oil pressure problem. As a last try before I do this I wanted to
> check with the group to make sure there isn't anything I've
> missed in trying to remedy the problem.
>
> I have an '87 Westy, manual trans, a/c with about 93K miles. I bought it
> with 60K miles and have been good about 5K oil changes (Mobil 1) and
> flushing the coolant every two years (using VW coolant). No head
> problems, replaced water pump at about 65K miles. The oil warning
> light and buzzer come on after about 10 minutes of driving. Specifically
> they come on when the engine speed drops below about 2500 RPM. When the
> RPM's go back up, the warning stops.
>
> Here's what I've done: took the van to VW to have the pressure
> measured. They said it was low. I don't have the numbers with me but
> I seem to remember 4psi at idle.  Changed oil from Mobil 1 10W-40
> to Castrol 20w-50 to straight 40 weight. Each change helped in that
> it took longer for the warning to to start. Have always used VW oil
> filters. Had oil pressure sensors replaced. Replaced the oil pressure
> regulator piston and spring, had the oil pump replaced.
>
> Is there anything I'm missing?
>
  maybe ..... are you over heating?