Dennis wrote
The 2.1 engine needs the oil cooler! Also, make sure it is not
overfilled.
 Running below the full mark is helpful. The problem is a the
combination of
 engine speed and load. The longer stroke of the 2.1 is that difference
that
 makes it require some form of oil cooling. A shorter oil filter can be
used
 to make the factory oil cooler fit with the 1.9 exhaust.

Dennis, Ranger Brian and the list

I have never disagreed with anything Dennis has said but I do today
I have had a 2.1 engine in my 1984 vanagon Bluebell for over three
years
in that time I have never seen the engine get hot or the oil light come
on
I push this van sometimes to 85 mph into the mountains of Vermont fully
loaded
in the summer never a problem. I have also been building 2.1 engines for
use in
the early wbx vans for years and have never had one complaint about the
engines
running hot or oil lights coming on
Lets face it Ranger Brian has the low oil pressure at hot ilde due to
the extra clearance
at the con rod bearings and the engine WILL throw a rod very soon so
stop driving the van
and fix the problem or you will need a core, a new engine and or lots of
cash or credit
It has been my experiance that the crankshaft does not wear
when the rods bearings start to fail. I see this on a daily basis and
have had many engines
come in for the same symtoms when the engine is taken apart the rod
bearings are toast
and the big end of the rods is also out of round
as Dirty Harry once said (are you feeling lucky)
Boston Bob
http://www.bostonengine.com