In a message dated 15/06/2007 1:02:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

Hello  all. I am new to the list, so forgive me for rehashing what seems to
be a  common issue, but one that has some wierd particulars I have not seen
in  any discussions thus far. I have I have an '87 syncro GL. Occasionally,
but  not always, the oil pressure light and buzzer will come on, stay on  from
anywhere from 1 to 10 seconds, and then (almosts always) go off. This  only
happens after a period of highway speed driving, and especially when I  slow
down on an exit ramp. I talked to a mechanic, who suggested that (1)  the
decrease in speed could cause a temporary drop in oil pressure, (2) the  wire
to the lower sender could be grounding out and (3) that the spring to  the
relief valve (I think) could be bad (and that this issue could be  solved by
stretching the spring thus making it a bit stiffer). Or, the  bearings could
be bad. I am using 20w-50 oil, and the van runs well  otherwise. It is not
overheating (just had head gaskets replaced, and leak  down tests say they
are good now). Another mechanic replaced a bad sender,  drove it a bunch, and
couldn't replicate the problem. I want to do a long  trip soon, and I don't
want burn up my engine. Any  ideas?

Josh,  this has been covered many times, check the archives for more info.
In  this case it is ALWAYS advisable to have the true oil pressure tested to
see if  it's good or maybe the alarm is trying to tell you that the engine
bearings are  getting worn out.  If the oil pressure tests good then it is
advisable to  install a permanent oil pressure gauge on the dash so you can monitor
the  engine's condition.  Make sure that your always using 20w50 oil or 5w50 or
15w50 synthetic oil with the proper waterboxer engine oil filter with the
anti flow back valve.  Then change the high pressure oil pressure sender,  the
one that's below the water pump and hard to change. It can be done, I  do them
all the time.  This may cure your problem.  Also check  that the wiring to
that sender is in good condition and the connector near the  thermostat housing
is in good condition.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat, '87 Wolfsburg  (Forsale) & Lionel Trains (_Collection
for sale_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
- Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
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camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10,  2007