Warning (OIL) Light Issue : 1958 VW Pickup
cbbond
05-01-2007, 02:10 PM
Forum Members:
When I am driving my VW bus at high speeds I don't have any problems with the Warning 'Idiot' Lights (ALT/GEN or OIL), but when I am at a stop sign the White/Yellowish 'OIL' IDIOT Light (right side) flashes and flickers.
My mechanic has been troubleshooting a wiring problem with my head-lights, brake-lights, and license plate lights, however.
Is this a wiring problem (6V, 36HP motor)?
Please help.
Thanks, Casey
When I am driving my VW bus at high speeds I don't have any problems with the Warning 'Idiot' Lights (ALT/GEN or OIL), but when I am at a stop sign the White/Yellowish 'OIL' IDIOT Light (right side) flashes and flickers.
My mechanic has been troubleshooting a wiring problem with my head-lights, brake-lights, and license plate lights, however.
Is this a wiring problem (6V, 36HP motor)?
Please help.
Thanks, Casey
BoatCop
05-01-2007, 09:29 PM
It's pretty common for the oil light to flicker at idle, especially if the oil is hot. The oil pressure light is set to come on at about 4-5 pounds. In VW engines the oil pressure should be right around 10 pounds for every 1,000 RPMs. If the car is idling at 500-600 RPMs you're right on the edge of the light coming on. Check to make sure your idle is within specs. 800-850 RPM is recommended to keep the cooling air flowing and prevent the engine from lugging.
They were also designed to run on straight 30 weight oil. Which seemed to be fine for the Germans in their cold winter weather conditions. We've all been told that multi-viscocity oils are best for modern cars. That may not be so for the old flat four. Putting a 5-40 or 10-50 weight is probably too light of an oil for the air cooled engines, where oil is a primary source of cooling.
The first thing I'd do is make sure to run straight 30 weight oil. Dump the multi-vis stuff, except in extreme cold weather. Then I'd put an oil pressure gauge, even temporarily, to see exactly what pressures you're running. If you have 7-8 pounds at idle, you're OK.
If the light still flickers with the proper oil and good pressure, you may have a faulty pressure switch. Another easy and inexpensive fix.
If the pressure gauge shows low pressure with proper oil, I'd start with a new oil pump, since that's the easiest to change. If still low, you're looking at needing new main and con-rod bearings.
And No. It's not an electrical issue. Strictly pressure. Unless you consider a bad switch "electrical".
They were also designed to run on straight 30 weight oil. Which seemed to be fine for the Germans in their cold winter weather conditions. We've all been told that multi-viscocity oils are best for modern cars. That may not be so for the old flat four. Putting a 5-40 or 10-50 weight is probably too light of an oil for the air cooled engines, where oil is a primary source of cooling.
The first thing I'd do is make sure to run straight 30 weight oil. Dump the multi-vis stuff, except in extreme cold weather. Then I'd put an oil pressure gauge, even temporarily, to see exactly what pressures you're running. If you have 7-8 pounds at idle, you're OK.
If the light still flickers with the proper oil and good pressure, you may have a faulty pressure switch. Another easy and inexpensive fix.
If the pressure gauge shows low pressure with proper oil, I'd start with a new oil pump, since that's the easiest to change. If still low, you're looking at needing new main and con-rod bearings.
And No. It's not an electrical issue. Strictly pressure. Unless you consider a bad switch "electrical".
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