The low oil pressure is a good indication that the case is shot.  New bearings
may bring the pressure up for a while but don't bet on it.  These cases wear
out around the center bearing like all the other VW's.  Especially if the
engine is driven at high speeds for any length of time.  Check the case very
carefully for straightness and the bearing bores for eccentricity.  Find some
one to perform a "Line Bore".  So far, VW reman engines are the only ones I've
seen with line bored cases.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From:   Vanagon mailing list  On Behalf Of Darrell Boehler
Sent:   Sunday, September 21, 1997 10:10 PM
To:     Vanagon@GERRY.SDSC.EDU
Subject:        2.1L bottom end overhaul

-------------
        It is getting cooler,bass have quit biting so I am planning a complete
overhaul of my 86 2.1L 228K miles,oil presure is low 8-10psi idling and
20-25psi at 2.5K rpm with 15-50 mobil one oil,one cylinder 60 psi others
around 115psi. Any words of wisdom and things to watch out for from the
list would be greatly appreciated.I have overhauled only one other vw,it
was a 78 2.0L air cooled.It is still running well after 30k miles,so maybe
with the help of the list I can get lucky again.tia

Darrell Boehler
Makanda Illinois