Date:         Thu, 6 May 1999 14:29:39 +0100
Reply-To:     Johan Nyberg <johan.nyberg@ABC.SE>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Johan Nyberg <johan.nyberg@ABC.SE>
Subject:      Re: Oil pressure switches
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hello Tonya.

First, I think you are right in guessing that that high pressure switch was bad/ is replaced. That's the one on the back of the engine, and it is the one supposed to operate the buzzer and the light. The low pressure switch controls the idiot light only.

It would be interesting to know when the buzzer is buzzing, and when the light is flashing. It shouldn't buzz below 2000 rpm.

Checklist

1. Ignition on, engine off = idiot light should be flashing.

If not, light or control circuit is kaput.

2. Engine idling = no idiot light, no buzzing.

If the idiot light is flashing, either the oil pressure is to low or the switch brown (0,3 bar), black (0.3) or even blue (0.15), is kaput. Or the high and low pressure switches are mixed up.
I cannot think of a reason for the buzzer coming on at this rpm, other than the rpm sensing system being kaput.

3. Engine running around 2000 rpm = no idiot light, no buzzing.

If it's buzzing (and the idiot light should come on at the same time), but goes out when the engine is revved up, either the oil pressure is to low or the 1.8 bar (white) switch is installed.

4. Engine running well above 2000 rpm = no idiot light, no buzzing.

If it's buzzing (and the idiot light should come on at the same time), either the oil pressure is too low or the 0.9 bar switch is broken or the switches are mixed up.


My german repair manual contradicts itself, it says 1.8 bar (white) in one part of the text and 0.9 bar (grey) in another part. The local dealer says 1.8 when looking in his list and 0.9 when checking the microfiche. The importer says 1.8. List wisdom has proclaimed 0.9 bar (grey) and thats the one I've seen on the engines I've been able to check in the neighbourhood. Thats the 068-919-081-A. 068 means "diesel", not wasserboxer, but I've used it for a couple of years now, and my blood pressure is much lower than it was when I had the 1.8 (white). The f---er was buzzing and driving me crazy almost daily then.

The grey plastic on the 0.9 bar switch is quite light in hue, I suppose it could be mistaken for "aged white".

It would be interesting to hear which switches our list vendors are vending.


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    Johan Nyberg, Sweden N 59o E 17o 25"
   '86 Caravelle C
    1Co 13:12
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