In a message dated 98-06-05 22:11:04 EDT, dustan@IX.NETCOM.COM writes:

<< Hi!
   I bought an '86 Vanagon about 3 weeks ago and have some questions
 about the oil lights and checking the oil that are not answered by the
 owners manual.
   First, the oil pressure light in the center pod (between the speedo
 and the tach) blinks when the other lights are steady when the ignition
 is switched on (but the engine hasn't been started).  Is this normal??
 This light will blink forever I suppose.... well at least as long as
 battery would let it!
   I am also having a problem actually determining the level of the oil.
 The dipstick seems to be pretty clean when it is pulled from the
 dipstick holder so I am having a problem seeing the level.  Today I
 thought I had a mark on the bottom end of the stick and filled with a
 quart based on this.  So afterward I ran the engine then checked the oil
 a few minutes later and it appears that the oil level is high!!  This is
 after wiping the stick, inserting it, then pulling it.  Ya know, this
 ain't anything like my old '77 bus!
   Now I may have an overfilled oil supply which I know is not
 good........
   Any tips on oil checking, filling, changing, spilling, and
 overfilling??
                                                Thanks,
                                             David Dustan

  >>

 Well, since nobody properlly replyed to your question, here is the correct
answer. The flashing oil light with the ignition on only, is normal, on just
about all VW's.  When there really is a problem with your oil pressure when
the engine is running, then you'll see a flashing oil light. This is to get
your attention. The other lights that you see with the ignition on, is the way
you'll see them when there's a problem while the engine is running.   On the
oil level, if the level is more than 5 millimeters above the full mark, then
you may experience with a hot motor ( the oil expands ) some smoke coming out
of your exaust at high RPM.   You may need to drain a little oil out.   Hope
this helps.
 Michael M. 87 syncro.