Please don't take this too harshly ..
re
Should this indeed be where the leak is coming from I assume it is just a
small casket/o-ring - I suggested to him that he may as well just order a
new switch and replace the whole thing since they are so inexpensive.

Do that if you want ..and the worst that will happen is that you'll have a
spare OP switch ..
and hopefully a high quality one.  I just never think that's a very good way
to proceed...
think of what PART it could be, run out and get the part, THEN look at the
engine .

chances that it's not 'that part' are high usually.  Inspect and diagnose
first.

yes, the 1.9 OP switch, the only one on a 1.9,  is between the left side
push rod tubes.
I don't think one will leak there very much 'just sitting' though. Perhaps
after first shut off ..
but not continuously, I wouldn't think.

there is no gasket or o-ring. It just screws in.  Some have a copper sealing
washer ...
it's more likely  that it's not screwed in tightly enough than that sealing
washer is leaking significantly.

not just a valve cover gasket ?
or oil filter/seal ?
ream main seal,.
case split leak.

there is nothing like actually LOOKING at the engine of course,

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Lincoln" <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 8:36 AM
Subject: 1.9 Oil Leak question

> Hello all -
>
> My friend has a fairly significant oil leak. I will hopefully have a
> chance
> to inspect it for him this weekend - however I think I know already what
> it
> is. I still wanted to get the opinion of the list based on his
> description.
> (he's going to further inspect this tonight).
>
> It leaks no mater if the engine is running or not. He said it looks like
> it
> is leaking
> "from the back maybe around where the push rod tins are"
>
> This lead me to believe that it could be the Oil Pressure Switch located
> between the push rods ont he Driver's side. If indeed that is where that
> sensor resides on a 1.9 (having most of my knowledge with the 2.1 I have
> to
> re-learn some stuff).
>
> Should this indeed be where the leak is coming from I assume it is just a
> small casket/o-ring - I suggested to him that he may as well just order a
> new switch and replace the whole thing since they are so inexpensive.
>
> I guess my question is - if it is not the switch - what else could it be
> in
> that area? I'm not sure the exact configuration/location of the Oil pump
> (like I said I haven't had a chance to take a look yet).
>
> Opinions - suggestions - advice is greatly appreciated.
>
> --
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
> '85 GL (Gertie)
> '90 Carat (Grover - the noble parts donor)
> '86 (We call this one Scrap)
> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus