You can change the switch, you can add Marvel Mystery Oil, a cupful only.
I am not sure what causes the switch to become inoperable.  But it happens
too often in these cars.  And I think, it is almost always the high pressure
one, that is next to the water pump.  Tough place to work at.
Zoltan

----- Original Message -----
From: "James Benthall" <Taobythesea@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, July 08, 2005 3:19 PM
Subject: Continuing saga of Oil Pressure light...

> Hello folks,
> Around xmas of last year my oil pressure light and alarm started going off
> on my
> 87 Westy.  Took to mechanic and he changed out the switch (high and  low,
> I
> believe).
> Drove for several months w/ no problems.  Then just before my big
> Minnesota
> trip
> in late May it went off again (literally when the van was packed and we
> were
> heading
> out!).  Took the suggestion of those on the list and changed oil out  and
> replaced w/
> 20-50W.  Made it all the way to MN and back to Texas w/ no  problem.
> Cheapest
> fix I ever had.
> Well, today on my way to a job interview (dressed in a monkey suit in
> 95degree temp)
> it went off again!  Stopped to let the engine rest a few minutes, and
> then
> started up
> and it went off again within 30 seconds ;-(  Since I was only 1 minute
> away
> from the
> place of my interview, I went ahead and drove there (after making sure it
> had oil of course).
> After the interview (I think it went well!) I checked the oil again  and
> it
> had plenty.  Started
> it and again the light and buzzer went off!  Called my mechanic and he
> said
> to "just
> drive it" and that I would hear the clatter of lifters(?) before it got
> too
> serious.  Well I made
> it all the way home (a good 25 miles) w/ the light and buzzer signaling
> the
> whole way ;-)
> So, do ya'll think I just have another bum switch or something?  If  so,
> how
> do you disable
> the alarm and light?  (Is there a fuse or something I can pull?)
> I don't want to take a chance of ruining this engine that I have about
> $6,500 in, but this
> thing is my only transportation...if its not a "real problem" I need to
> drive it.  (Btw, I assume
> that if it was a bad oil pump or something I wouldn't have made it  home.
> Is
> that logical
> thinking or not?)  Thanks for any and all input!
>
> james benthall
> houston, texas
> 87 Westy (the Phoenix)
>