And did you use a Fram filter? Fram=junk. Use one of Bosch, Mahle, Mann, VW,
Baldwin or Purolator. In any case, even with 10w30, I'd say low oil pressure at 1500
miles is a problem, best to check it with a gauge. Hardly a comparison in terms of
engine type, but my current Jetta diesel with 300k gives 70psi hot oil pressure at
2500rpm, and 45psi hot idle. My old Jetta with similar mileage would set off the
buzzer at times, gauge showing barely 25psi hot at 2000rpm. Problem? Failed int
shaft bearings. Not an issue in the wbx engine of course, but just illustrating how
important a gauge is to troubleshoot these issues.

(btw, the old Jetta went for 4-5 years like this and never blew up. I wouldn't venture
the same luck for a WBX with low oil pressure...)

On 18 May 2005 at 23:16, Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM> wrote:

> 1500 miles on the rebuild...Just changed your oil recently after the
> break-in period? Did you use 20w50 oil? Or did you use 10w30?
> Waterboxer powered Vanagon's need 20w50.
>
>
> On May 18, 2005, at 10:52 PM, Brett Whistler wrote:
>
> > Hello Listee:
> >
> > I'm a rookie...so I apologize ahead of time for any stupid questions.
> > I
> > have an '86 Syncro w/ a 2.1 L WBX that was rebuilt ~1,500 miles ago.
> > I just
> > purchased the van, and it's been running great.  I live in the
> > mountains of
> > Park City, UT and many times am driving up and down steep hills.
> > Today I
> > was driving up a steep hill and my oil warning light and buzzer started
> > sounding.  I immediately pulled over and put a quart of oil in
> > it...without
> > checking the level first.  That was a mistake.  I start up...make it
> > until
> > the next hill, and the warning starts up again.  I pull over and THIS
> > TIME
> > check the oil on a level surface.  I'm 1 quart over now.  I don't
> > think I
> > was ever low obviously.  The warning doesn't occur when I'm on the
> > flats or
> > going down hill.
> > 1. Any suggestions as to where to start?
> > 2. Should I stop driving it until I resolve this...even though the
> > warning
> > usually doesn't go off?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Brett
>

Shawn Wright
http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright
'85 Jetta D
'88 Westy 2.1L, soon to be 1.6TD 5 speed
 (see progress at http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels)
'82 Diesel Westy