Hi Alan,

As Dennis kinda sorta says (professional courtesy restraint), you need to find a new mechanic that actually works on Vanagons, and has used parts lying around to substitute to get a correct diagnosis.  

Googling your signature line, it appears you are in Philadelphia, and maybe some of the list members will have a suggestion for you.  If your mechanic put in 5w-30 oil, that's the first thing you need the new mechanic to change to at least 15w-40!

These problems should not be hard to sort out, so good luck!

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Alan Hockstein
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 5:07 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: 86.5 Westy 2.1 — 2 problems. No High Startup Idle — Constant ON Oil Light

1. Idle is okay after warm up but HIGH but won’t kick in at start-up.
We believe the wiring is okay, but mechanic thinks I need an Air idle Control Valve. Is that the most likely cause?  

2. The mechanic says a part under the front cluster cowl is bad and causing the Oil Light to stay on constantly. Is that the most likely cause? Not sure what that part is called or have a part number. The oil pressure does not seem to be a problem. I have read mixed reviews about using heavier oil like 15 or 20w but others say 5w is fine in the summer. Also read mixed things about using only Mann or Merle filters. I did use WIX/Napa filters for years prior to ‘2005. 

Should I start with a new filter and heavier oil to see if it is corrected before I get that part under the front cowl?  

Thanks in advance for any ideas about these two (hopefully last) bugs to get my Westy on the road this summer!

Keeping’ it Alive!

Alan

Alan Hockstein Design
alhocks@gmail.com