all I can say Joe is.......
using the exact correct oil filter on any engine is critically important.

besides physical dimensions .....size of the threaded hole in them, size of
the rubber sealing ring , etc.  .....
oil filters have other features that vary depending on application - some
have anti-drain back valves for example,
most of them have a bypass feature in case they get fully plugged - things
like that.
 Any oil filter is designed to work correctly with the engine it is intended
for.  We should always use the real right oil filter.

 I never ....if I can possibly help it, attempt to purchase Vanagon parts
from a store  where they are not quite familiar with vanagons or at least
VW's.
Shopping at a FLAPS isn't really that safe even I don't think, not for parts
that are critical.  Plus you pay more for lower quality parts often.
  I'd suggest find out who has the right Mann filter at a good price online,
then buy four of them.

search 'engine oil filter' at Wikipedia or Goggle, or oil manufacturer's
sites ......
you'll find enough to study to keep you busy a long time.

Hopefully you don't have a 'real' oil pressure problem !

Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joseph Dor�" <josephpdore@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:35 AM
Subject: Oil Filter & Oil Pressure - 1982 A-C M/T Vanagon/Westfalia

> Hello again.
>
> As somewhat of a follow-up to my first post, I have discovered what
> may be the cause of my oil pressure problem.
>
> It seems the correct filter is a Mann 920/17.  I was given a Mann 719/5.
>
> I don't know anything about oil pressure.  Would an incorrect filter
> cause the warning lamp to illuminate? What, in the design of the
> filter, causes a variance like that?
>
> Thanks,
> Joe