I had this problem with my T-3 sqback about a year ago..... almost completely new
engine: New Brazil engine case, new cam (engle W-110) new bearings, new oil pump,
new gaskets, new oil strainer, new exhaust, fly cut heads and 88mm mahle cyls
40000 km, I tried a different oil cooler, stretched the relief valve springs, all
other parts well inside of tolerances, oilpressure at cold, but not at warm.
Everything that is a part of the oilsystem had been checked or changed, still no
pressure. Id did every trick in the book. The only thing I didn't try was a
different oil pump. The car is still hanging out in the driveway, so there is
hope.....

PerL
88 Syncro
73 Variant

Racer X wrote:

> Hey folks...Hope this has been a Happy Thanksgiving for all of you.
> Now...on to the new problem!
>
> Well, I've pretty much done all I can and the same problem is
> resurfacing in my van...
>
> Rebuilt, new bearings, rings, gaskets, oil pump, oil pickup tube (as
> well as other things) I've got a new VW filter, GTX 20w50 oil, VDO oil
> pressure gauge.
>
> Motor cranks up fine, idles fine, initial oil pressure is fine. Then,
> after running for about 15 minutes the oil pressure starts to drop. When
> it reaches 9 bar, the idiot light comes on. I've got both oil pressure
> senders new... Then the engine stalls, or if you step on the gas, it
> stalls...The outside temperature of the block is about 120� when this happens.
>
> What up? I don't have a clue. It was doing this same thing before and I
> thought it was the bearings. I had no oil pressure problems before I
> started this job as it started out to be just a head gasket rebuild.
> After I got into it I chose to redo the whole thing.
>
> Is my block shot? This car has around 200,000 on it but is in great shape.
> I haven't bled the coolant yet. Could the oil be getting too hot?
>  Help me please if you have any ideas.
>     This car is my best friend...
>         Thanks in advance!
>
> -Tony