There are many variables that effect oil pressure. For the Waterboxer oil temperature varies greatly depending on speed, load, and yes even oil level. Oil temperature is the usual driver for oil pressure issues. As such an oil temperature gauge is just as important as a pressure gauge to know what is going on , and why. 

With all things being normal, a healthy engine should be able to maintain close to 10 psi/1,000 rpm. A lower wear limit is 28 psi @4000 rpm. As oil temperature goes above 210F not only does the lower viscosity reduce oil pressure but the added clearances due to expansion of the oil pump and the case around the bearings can cause pressure to drop to dangerously low levels. Having an oil temperature gauge will alert you to when you need to change driving conditions and when things go wrong that can easily be fixed such as incorrect oil level. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of jed batchelder
Sent: Saturday, October 7, 2017 10:46 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: oil pressure

hey everyone so i took everyone's advice and changed oil and added a gauge.  So now my question is is there a chart of what the oil pressure should be during normal operations and idle and such?  thanks

jed