Your pressure readings are very good especially considering the mileage.
Where is the gauge sensor connected? It should be connected to the port
between the push rod tubes. This is the lowest pressure part of the system.
If you used the port on the back of the engine you are reading the pressure
just off the pump and before the filter. Also where did you install the oil
temperature sensor? It needs to be in the case or someplace oil is actually
flowing past it.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Robert Clemmer
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 2:51 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Water Pump

Ok, I've replaced the water pump and rear heater core in my young 91 2.1
automatic tin top.  While I was there, I did some "you might as wells".
Changed all the fuel lines and removed the plastic fire wall fitting.
Replaced the O-ring on the breather tower.  The old one was so hard and
brittle it came out in pieces.  And, finally installed an oil pressure
gauge.  Next week, lube oil analysis.

What I got was 70 lb. pressure at cold idle.  It is fairly cold here so the
best I can do is 190 degree oil temperature.  At that temperature I have 18
lb. at idle and 45 lb. above 3000 rpm.  Close to 50 lb. cruising at 4150
rpm.

What I don't know is this good, bad, or average?  I've been running Mobil 1
15w-50 oil and this engine just turned 250K miles.

BobC