> When fully warm, the pressure reads around 20 psi, which although
> not THAT low, is low according to the Bentley.
> It's been suggested that I replace the bearings now [SNIP...]

Tony,

I haven't followed this thread, but 20 psi doesn't seem low to me
unless perhaps this is a recent rebuild.  Those who were around the
list about a year ago remember me kvetching about the oil light
coming on at <2000 RPM until I put my gauge on.  I've since mellowed
out about the low oil pressure at idle.  :-)

At 172K miles on the clock, I'm running around with 10-12 psi hot at
idle with 20W50, but 30 psi at 2500 RPM, 40+ at highway cruising
(~4000 RPM) in Northeast US summer weather (80F or so); at least
that's what the gauge tells me.  It's been like this for the about 8K
miles that we've put on since getting the van.  She blows no blue
smoke, uses almost no oil (drips at the drain plug though), and has
plenty of power.  From what I can tell, there is no deterioration of
the oil pressure over the limited time that I've been watching this.

I have, on occasion, added some STP oil treatment, which helps the
oil pressure stay up at hot idel, but I'm not sure if I really need
it.

YMMV, of course.

-Karl

'87 Vanagon GL Weekender "Beverley"; Trexlertown, PA
http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/
VW shop list: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/vwshops