Unless you have a pre-start lubrication system (very rare in passenger
cars), you don't get any oil pressure until the crankshaft starts to turn.
A stock Vanagon has no oil pressure starter lockout switch.  The failure to
start problem must be something else.

When you do replace the engine seal, get the best seal you can buy.  I've
replaced two of these on my van.  The first was an inferior after-market
seal that didn't last.

Chip Beckham
85 GL

-----Original Message-----
From: Walter Evens [mailto:wrevens@MYEXCEL.COM]
Sent: Friday, February 15, 2002 12:55 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Oil Pressure Safety Switch???????

I looked in the archives and could not find anything specific to my problem.

Does an '85 1.9L WB come with any kind of "safety" switch that won't allow
the engine to start with low oil pressure?

I have an "85 GL that has a leaky rear main seal.  I was waiting for my
"other" car to get out of the shop before I tackled the seal so I would have
something in which to chase parts if need be.

I drove it all day yesterday and kept oil in it.  My wife drove it to work
and now it doesn't want to start.  There is a big puddle of oil underneath.
I have started it in the past when it was a quart low so I suspect there
isn't such a switch, but am not sure.

BTW, I plan on replacing the seal this weekend after I install new injectors
in the other vehicle.

Thanks,

Walter Evens
Hesperia, CA, USA
2-85GLs