So who rebuilt this engine? It is rare for the pump to suddenly fail but I
have seen it. Most common is the shaft drive tab shearing off. Another
possibility is maybe the oil pressure relief valve stuck open.

Since your problem started with the oil change you may have a problem with
the pump priming. Remove the oil filter and with a pump type oil can push
some oil in the outer port, (pump to filter). This will get some oil into
the pump so the gears can seal and pull a vacuum to get it primed.

The most common cause of a pump failing to prime is excessive clearance
between the gears and body. On rebuilds this is usually caused by the wrong
pump cover gasket being used. On older engines I have also seen oil pump
problems due to the inlet screen being blocked by carbon and sludge. This
usually means a tear down.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Bruce Mentzer
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 6:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Help with oil pressure

Inspired by the list discussion on synthetic oils, went out and bought
10W-30 Mobile 1 and stuck it in my recently rebuilt (5K ago) '84 1.9. Also
replaced the filter with a new Fram.

The oil light remained on when started the next morning...checked...there's
lots of pretty oil in there.

Checked wiring on the oil light...it's all good and the engine is clattering
(turned off after 2 blocks).

Drained the Mobile 1 and replaced with Mobile 10W40. The light is still on,
engine clatters.

Pulled the filter...no oil. Went to replace the filter, but found it was the
correct one for this model.

Any ideas from the list? I'm getting ready to order a pump and start the fun
of pulling it out.

Read up on the previous posts on the list and it doesn't look like a
pleasant evenings work in the cold driveway.

Bruce in Maryland
'84 Westy