Having just replaced the original radiator on my 87GL with one of Bus Depot's
South African models,  I thought those listees with marginal or low oil
pressure might be interested in the results. The conventional wisdom of this
list seems to suggest worn bearings as the usual cause of low oil pressure on
our aging 2.1 engines. While this  may be true in many if not most cases, I
am delighted to report this was not the case with my 87, now sporting 165,000
miles on its original engine and heads.

I previously attempted to increase my oil pressure by rebuilding the oil pump
and did achieve some improvement from this painful procedure. However, my oil
light continued to come on after extended highway or mountain driving and
especially after prolonged idling in city traffic. My VDO oil pressure gauge
often indicated as low as 3  to 5 psi at 1000 RPM making me fear it was past
time to give Boston Bob a call.

My factory temperature gauge was always above the center range LED light
after warm up, often around 3/4 of the way to the top, and even higher in
stopped city traffic. I had previously replaced the thermostat and radiator
fan switch with lower temperature models with no improvement.

After replacing the radiator I was simply amazed with the increase in oil
pressure.
Thus far I have not seen it below 10 to 12 psi at 1000 RPM after an extended
mix of interstate and city driving. I now have 35 to 40 psi at 3000 RPM after
warm up and my temperature gauge stays just to the low side of the light,
even after allowing the engine to idle for extended periods.

I now feel like "Jimmy Joe" has a new lease on life and would highly
recommend this procedure to anyone doubting the cause of their marginal or
low oil pressure.

Mark Smith
West Virginia

[text/html]