also forgot to add--fram oil filter on the beast--but is running 20/50 castrol

> ----------
> From:         Mike Blotz
> Sent:         Friday, January 23, 2004 9:33 AM
> To:   vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com (E-mail)
> 
> hey gang
> 
> well--i'm back to the world of vanagons--although I never left the list. I got a new to me 87 syncro GL yesterday. she needs some werk--just like how i like to find em. this is technically my 3rd syncro now--although I had another in my life for some time. hopefully this one will turn out to be the one i wanna keep--which I think it will. she has 214K on the body, 80-90K on factory rebuild, tranny rebuild, all half shafts and wheel bearings, and less on new drive shaft. mechanically--everything feels strong, VC checked out real good in my test--know more when I get into it. as it sits right now--has externally seeping heads, idles high and seems to be searching for idle (idle stabilizer or control valve more than likely--correct?) bald tires on steel rims (what to do here--since i need tires anyway--maybe upgrade wheels), and the biggest thing--oil pressure issues.
> 
> I dont think there is a real problem--I'll decribe what i got going on. no problem until about 20 minutes of driving--then the light and buzzer will come on when you drop the rpms to like 2500--rev it up--it goes out. engine feels real tight--like I sad--80-90K on it. I know the factory rebuilds were not exactly the best of quality. but she runs real strong. has zero leaks which surprises me. I have a gauge i was gonna install on the dash--its the hate to get dirty twice type of thing. do these symptoms sound funny to nayone--like a real problem--or a sensor wiring problem? I dont really care--my real plan for the van is subaru power or I4 Vw power. I just had planned on getting the heads sealed up and driving it for a while to make sure everything was good--and have a good motor to sell as well. but i dont wanna dump money into something that has oil pressure isses either--since thats probably ovaled rods. anyway--let me know if you have any advise here
> 
> here is the plan for this rig
> 
> 1. motor conversion. never thought i'd consider subi--but just checked out a 2.5 syncro westy--was very impressed. and I drive a subi everyday--so I know them as well
> 
> 2. decoupler. reason I searched this van out was for the diff lock to make decoupler install easier and such. I like the idea of 2wd/4wd selectable vehicle. so I may search out an aggresive VC to match. 
> 
> 3. aux battery for running creature comfort items
> 
> 4. stewert warner gas powered personnel heater. just picked this thing up recently--very cool--and rare from what I gather. make a nice furnace i believe
> 
> opther than that--just make it a reliable travel vehicle. think i might put my 66 kombi up for sale to do it. hard choise since that has been a 5 yr restoration project that is almost completed--just the interior left to do (any interest)
> 
> anyway--let me know of any advice you may have
>