Greg, an old trick to getting a prime with type 1 engines, is Vaseline. Pack
it into the pump, and it will prime right away; then the heat of the oil as
it warms up will melt the vaseline. Thought I'd pass it on; I've used this
trick many times to prime a very high performance 2276CC Type 1 engine for
my bug.
Take care,
Courtney

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Always be yourself, because the people that matter don't mind,
and the ones who mind, don't matter.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Potts" <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2010 7:01 PM
Subject: Re: Oil Pump Leak Advice

> Hi Ryan,
>
> I spent most of the day yesterday fixing that leak on my own vanagon.
> Just getting a wrench on those 4 bolts took about 2 hours of disassembly
> and about the same of time to get it back together afterwards.
>
> I would recommend that before you put that much time into just
> tightening bolts it would be a good idea to have a spare pump gasket on
> hand and perhaps be ready to replace the pump if required.
>
> And if you do remove that cover, be sure to fill the pump with assembly
> lube before reassembly so as to keep it from losing its prime...
>
>
> Happy Trails,
>
> Greg Potts
> Toronto, Ontario Canada
> 1973/74/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
> 1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop
> www.busesofthecorn.com
> www.pottsfamily.ca
>
>
> Bill Shawley wrote:
>> So I've been chasing down a small oil leak for some time now.  First
>> I suspected the oil cooler o-ring but after an inspection and cleanup
>> I ruled that out (have spare o-ring ready just in case though).
>> Cleaned up the case some more and was positive that the leak was from
>> the oil pressure sender (the PIA one behind water pump), replaced the
>> sensor and was positive that I had fixed it.  After some driving I
>> noticed the leak again and then winter came......  Started peaking
>> around again today and I am almost sure it is the oil pump housing,
>> the area between the pump plate and engine carrier is nasty.  I'd
>> like to try and tighten the cover nuts just a smidge, do a good
>> cleanup and evaluate things for a while.  1986 2wd Westy