It is probably nothing to worry about. Synthetics tend to be a bit
thinner (viscosity) than dino oil, even if the numbers say 15w50 or what
have you. VW flat fours have always had this symptom; (motor hot,
deceleration, then oil warning) the owner's manual used to even forewarn
of it, and reassure the owner it was no big deal.

If it is keeping you up at night, buy/install an oil pressure gauge ($80
total) and quit relying on the VW idiot light/buzzer as the sole source
of information on your oil system. Also, (gasp) consider using 20w50
dino oil or even (double gasp) motor honey as your motor nears the end
of its service lifespan. I've used motor honey on a couple flat fours
with 125k+ and seen a marked jump in compression, and much better oil
pressure at all temps.

Bringing your ideas to life,
G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
Business: www.bulley-hewlett.com
AIM = IExplain4u
Phone: +1.919.658.1278

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Mark Keller
Sent: Thursday, October 03, 2002 11:03 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Does a worn pressure relief valve cause Oil pressure buzzer?

Stuart,

I am having this issue on occasion, with similar conditions: heat
soaked, i.e. long climb, Mobil 1 syntheitc and get the buzzer just after
letting off of the throttle, i.e. cresting the hill.  I'm also having
very infrequent but associated with the buzzer episodes a split second
valve clatter like once a year, but it will happen two or three times
then not again for a year.

Can you shed any light on the possibility of these events being caused
by a worn pressure relief valve.

Sincerely,

Mark Keller
91 Carat