Date:         Sun, 2 Aug 1998 00:19:30 -0400
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <dhaynes57@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes57@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Subject:      Re: low pressure
Comments: To: Anthony Kimmons <akimmons@PDQ.NET>, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM

How can you have a clogged screen on a rebuilt engine?  Maybe too much
silicone was used? Is it possible that the wrong oil pump cover gasket was
used?  This would seriously reduce the pumps output.  It should be the one
that is so thin you can almost see through it.  The other possibility is
that a wrong sized bearing was used or maybe a cam bearing is missing.  A
bad lifter will not cause a pressure problem unless it is noisy.  The oil
that flows through the lifters goes through the pushrods to lubricate the
rockers.  You should also check the oil pressure relief valve.

Dennis.


-----Original Message-----
From: Anthony Kimmons <akimmons@PDQ.NET>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Wednesday, July 29, 1998 10:12 PM
Subject: Re: low pressure


>Hey...
>Thanks for replying. The latest is that I did another oil and filter
>change (and motor flush). Put in 20w50 and an OEM filter.
>I also was able to connect the new VDO oil pressure gauge and
>although it seems that the pressure is fine initially, it loses
>pressure and sputters within a few minutes.
>When fully warm, the pressure reads around 20 psi, which although
>not THAT low, is low according to the Bentley.
>It's been suggested that I replace the bearings now, but since I was
>not having oil pressure problems before the rebuild, I really don't
>think that's what it is. I believe the problem is in the oil uptake
>screen being clogged. Any chance of cleaning that without taking the
>engine back out? I also COULD have a bad lifter...Would that be causing
>a low oil reading? If I have to go back and pull the engine,
>I would end up replacing all of these things...Thought about it when
>I did the rebuild, but...
>I am suspecting the oil pump also, but like I say, there was no oil
>pressure problems before the rebuild.
>
>Thanks for any ideas you may have...It's great to be on this list!
>
>Tony