In a message dated 98-06-05 22:11:04 EDT, dustan@IX.NETCOM.COM writes: << Hi! I bought an '86 Vanagon about 3 weeks ago and have some questions about the oil lights and checking the oil that are not answered by the owners manual. First, the oil pressure light in the center pod (between the speedo and the tach) blinks when the other lights are steady when the ignition is switched on (but the engine hasn't been started). Is this normal?? This light will blink forever I suppose.... well at least as long as battery would let it! I am also having a problem actually determining the level of the oil. The dipstick seems to be pretty clean when it is pulled from the dipstick holder so I am having a problem seeing the level. Today I thought I had a mark on the bottom end of the stick and filled with a quart based on this. So afterward I ran the engine then checked the oil a few minutes later and it appears that the oil level is high!! This is after wiping the stick, inserting it, then pulling it. Ya know, this ain't anything like my old '77 bus! Now I may have an overfilled oil supply which I know is not good........ Any tips on oil checking, filling, changing, spilling, and overfilling?? Thanks, David Dustan >> Well, since nobody properlly replyed to your question, here is the correct answer. The flashing oil light with the ignition on only, is normal, on just about all VW's. When there really is a problem with your oil pressure when the engine is running, then you'll see a flashing oil light. This is to get your attention. The other lights that you see with the ignition on, is the way you'll see them when there's a problem while the engine is running. On the oil level, if the level is more than 5 millimeters above the full mark, then you may experience with a hot motor ( the oil expands ) some smoke coming out of your exaust at high RPM. You may need to drain a little oil out. Hope this helps. Michael M. 87 syncro. |
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