Are you sure it was a VW reman? There will be yellow sticker on top of
the case if it is. The serial # will be ground off the case and a new
one is usually on the tag. Assuming you are using the correct viscosity
oil and the oil cooler is doing its job, the most likely cause of low
oil pressure is loose bearings in the case. Most re-builders do not
align bore these cases. These cases also warp and twist causing all
sorts of problems including blown top cylinder gaskets.

If it runs well with no noises, make sure you really have an oil
pressure problem before taking it a part. You need to measure the
pressure at various oil temperatures. If the oil reaches 250F, the
pressure will be low.

Ideally, 10 psi/1,000 rpm is good. A hot engine will be somewhat less.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Jake Beaulieu
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2004 6:21 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: fixing low oil pressure

I have an 82 air cooled Westy that has low oil pressure at warm idle.
The engine is a newer VW reman (30,000 miles).  After searching the
archives it looks like bad rod bearings are the most likely culprit.  I
think I may take the plunge and try to correct this on my own.

My question:  It appears that after removing the heads and jugs I can
change out the rod bearings without splitting case.  Is there any chance
this will take care of the problem, or is it nearly guarnteed that the
crankshaft will need to be removed and machined?

Thanks,

Jake B

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