Randy,

    It's not a vanagon but my son's 92 jetta had low oil problems and a new pump from www.germanautoparts.com with 36mm gears cured his problems. I think you would have to use your old pickup tube though on your vanagon. It's possible your timing belt is loose, the intermediate shaft turns off the backside of the timing belt and they are known to slip.

hope this helps.
Joe

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Randy Weersing 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 11:59 AM
  Subject: oil pressure problem

  I have a problem with my 82 diesel conversion (85 Jetta 1.9). I've been 
  driving this rig for 6 years and 80k miles with few problems, but now I have 
  no oil pressure. A little history: It's always been a little slow to get the 
  oil pressure up after the first start in the morning. Usually the light goes 
  off after 5 seconds or so after starting. Sometimes has taken as long as 
  15-20 sec. but it has always pressured-up. Things that help are a full 
  crankcase and a fresh oil change and filter, (I use Mann filters). Once, a 
  couple years ago, it was loosing pressure at speed so I pulled the pan to 
  find the oil pickup screen plugged with sludge and gunk.....cleaned it up and 
  reassembled and the problem was fixed. It's been ok since and very good 
  lately. Pressure has been up immediately after starting (light goes off 
  instantly at startup). This morning, I start it up and no oil pressure, even 
  after running for 30-40 seconds. Checked oil and topped it up (was 1/2 qt 
  low) and tried again. Still no pressure. I know its not the sender because 
  the hyd. lifters clatter when the pressure is down. 
  So.......my question; I have heard that the diesel pan/pump combination as 
  used on my conversion is known for it's oiling problems but have never heard 
  any details on the nature of this problem....cause, cure, etc. Anyone out 
  there have any insight into this? Thanks for any help. 
  Randy Weersing, 
  Eugene, OR 

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