[Vwdiesel] oil pressure problems

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/31/2002 12:59:55 PM Pacific Standard Time,
kysard55 at suscom.net writes:

> I have about 3000 miles on a rebuilt 1.6NA.  Recently the oil light started
>  flashing at idle.  I replaced the oil pump, vacuum pump, and senders.  I
>  also installed an oil pressure gauge.  When I am driving the pressure is
>  typically 15 - 24 psi, but averages about 17 psi.  Is this OK?  I have
tried
>  SAE 30 and 20w40 oil both give about the same pressure.  The first 5
minutes
>  till I warm up I have strong oil pressure (20 to 40 psi) but when the temp
>  gauge climbs to about the halfway point to pressure goes down.  Should I be
>  concerned?
>
  My Rabbit would drop to about 80+ psi when at a hot idle, with 15W/40.
I replaced the oil pump on the Jetta when it dropped below about 20 psi
@ 2000 rpm.  It maxed at about 40 psi.  Without a hydraulic head and/or
a turbo, I'd expect to see pressures around 80 psi.  Lower is fine but even
with a turbo you should see pretty consistent 40 psi readings at any engine
speed above an idle.
  Were the intermediate shaft bearings replaced?  :O  This is what's scary
about having these engines rebuilt.  Too many shops want to put more
clearance on the bearings and the bore than these engines are supposed
to have.  :(  When something like this happens you're then unsure whether
someone messed up, something's failed or if a bypass valve is stuck open.
Other than bad clearances, or bearings you could have a stuck open
pressure relief in the oil pump.
      Loren