Volks,

It would seem I made an error this morning in my assumptions about the oil
presure light/alarm and the low coolant tank.  I'm a bit disappointed that
nobody brought me to task on this one but I know many of us will believe
almost anything when it comes to our Vanagon's troubles.

Anyway, I went out for lunch and everything was still fine but when I left
the base to head home the alarm went off again.  Obviously this time the
coolant tank was full so my earlier theory went right out the window.  Upon
further reflection I remembered that the symptom I had been experiencing
with the GL was the coolant light flashing when the engine was still cold.
This is what indicated that the tank was low.  This, of course, makes much
more sense.  DUH!

I remembered reading a post earlier today regarding the two oil presure
switches, what they do, and what conditions set them off.  In both cases
when the alarm went off, I had started the van and driven off immediately.
I reasoned that the oil presure had not built up sufficiently enough with my
quick takeoff to prevent the alarm from sounding.  I restarted the van and
let it idle for about a minute and then drove off with no more problems the
rest of the way home.

Is there a solution to this problem?  Is it really a problem?  I'm inclined
to think the PO used a lighter weight oil than the Vanagon would usually
prefer.  It's very clean but I have no idea what weight it is.  Could this
be the culprit?  I prefer to use Castrol 20/50 in all my VWs and was
considering changing it anyway since I don't know what's in there.

Thoughts???

Jeff Warner
'86 Westy Weekender "Barry"
'87 GL "Van"
Bunch of other stuff.