The 50 degree mount angle requires a diesel Vanagon oil pan AND oil
pickup tube. I assume the mechanic knows this and is using the right
stuff. If he is using a used diesel Vanagon oil pickup tube then that is
the likely problem. The oil pressure relief valve is built into the
pickup tube. If it came from an engine that failed small bits of engine
debris may be jamming the relief valve in a partly opened position and
then the oil pump sucks air at low rpms. The oil pan must be removed and
then the pickup tube can be removed for close inspection. I have seen
this problem twice.

Mark

Dominic & Diane Fraser wrote:
>
> Hello, I hope someone can lend a hand, I/we are baffled:
>
> I just got my van back from it's conversion to a GTI 8v at 50 degrees, and
> am generally pleased, but it has a more than annoying problem in that every
> other start, it won't build up oil pressure!
>
> If I rev it to 3500, it gets the idea, and oil pressure comes back, but at
> idle it just sits and flashes..... this motor can't last long at this rate.
>
> Mechanic put in a new oil pump and camshaft (probably siezed from no oil
> pressure). He doesn't know what to do either... there appears to be no
> reason for this to happen 2/3 times a day.
>
> I don't know what to do now: please help!
>
> Thanks for any clues, it's much appreciated.
>
> Dominic Fraser
>
> >