First off, how many miles on your can? Also, how frequently have you had
the oil changed during its life? It is not common for low oil pressure to
be the first indicator of a rebuild, nor for it to come on so suddenly.
Nine psi at idle isn't so bad, so I would guess it ISN'T your motor.

What viscosity of oil are you using? What brand of filter? Did your
'mechanic' check the oil pressure pistons for correct length under load?
There are a lot of cheaper reasons for low oil pressure than 'worn out
motor'. You may want to check with a more thorough mechanic.

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   Merry Young [SMTP:merryj@TELEPORT.COM]
Sent:   Sunday, August 15, 1999 3:11 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        86 Vanagon GL Oil pressure warning

My oil pressure buzzer and light went on recently when i was driving over a
mountain pass. Pulled over and checked oil, it was fine. Temp was fine too.
Kept going. Buzzer and light went off again. Went home and changed vans.
The
mechanic said the oil pressure is 9 lbs. at idle and 20 lbs. at 2,000 rpms
and the factory min. is 29. He recommended a rebuild. The van drives fine
around town. No suspicious noises or weird behavior. There is a tiny oil
leak, but very little. Do I really need a rebuild? I would like to get it
road reliable, so any suggestions as to what things I should get checked
out
or fixed are very welcome.