James,

Living in Phoenix, I use straight 30 weight oil most of the year, but
switch to 40 in the hottest part of the year.  I use Valvoline Racing
Oil only.  Yeah, I know I'm a dinosaur.

Hard to give a go-ahead on your trip without seeing, touching, smelling
your van.  Exactly what were the conditions under which the light turned
on?  At highway speed?  At idle after decelerating down an off-ramp?
Did it turn solidly on, or just flicker?

Could be a shorting wire, too thin oil, incorrect filter (use Mahle, or
Mann - different flow characteristics, though they are hard to find), or
some combination of these things.  Verify to your satisfaction that
you've fixed the problem before you actually hit the road.

Good luck,

Karl Wolz

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
Behalf Of
> James Benthall
> Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 7:57 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Oil Pressure Light went On...Abort Trip?
>
> Dave and all,
> Thanks for the advice!  I have already gone down and picked up some
Castrol
> 20-50,
> and I will change first thing in the morning.  I will also check for
any
> loose wires but I
> am beginning to think my mechanic screwed me on that one...replaced
the
> switch
> when it was really the wrong oil weight!  I'll have to ask him about
that
> the next time I
> see him.  I hope this is it 'cause it will sure be a cheap fix  ;-)
> James in Houston
> 87 Westy (The Phoenix)