On Fri, 2 Jan 2004, OOMKES Robin wrote:

> Good point, it's got a FRAM... will get that sorted straight away.
> Though I've used FRAM in the past on my previous diesel vanagons (before
> I knew you shouldn't) and never had this problem.

It may not be the problem, but it's a cheap thing to try.  The reason I'm
suspicious is when I first start my van after an oil change and the oil
filter is empty, I get much the same symptoms you describe.

The problem is simple enough, your oil pump is losing prime.  The question
is why.  Have you put an oil pressure gauge on it to see what the general
health of the oiling system is?

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si -- For Sale
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon