When you did the rebuild, did you measure the bearing saddles and align
bore the case? Did you inspect-measure the case for straightness-wear?
Especially wear the case halves meet at both sides of the bearing
saddles. If not, then you have low oil pressure do to a worn out case. A
healthy engine should be able to maintain 10 psi/1,000 rpm at normal
temperature. Normal temps are key as the oil will get hotter than the
coolant under heavy loads or at extended highway speeds. 4,200 rpm for a
few hours can get to oil to 260 and above while still having normal
water temps. Especially on the 1.9 as it doesn't have an oil cooler?

Back in the beetle days, VW considered the case to be disposable. For
many years, VW rebuilds had new cases. Rebuilt heads, ground cranks,
machined rods, but new cases. The 1.9 still has beetle style bearings.
The 2.1 are slightly improved. I installed a factory rebuilt engine a
few weeks ago. The heads were from 89 but the case was a brand new
casting. Maybe VW learned again! I have to say it is running great.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Don Williams
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 11:23 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Oil pressure in 1.9

I have an 85 Westy that I overhauled recently.  I am wondering what is a
decent oil pressure.  When I start out cold it is 70-80 psi, but on the
highway at 3800 RPM's it often falls to 25 or 30 PSI.  Is this something
that I should worry about??  It kinda has me freaked out, given the fact
that I overhauled it myself.

Don