plz help me, low oil pressure, B1 passat

[huss]

hey guyz, well i just bought this 1975 passat and all was going well, up untill about 1-2 months ago when i looked at the oil pressure guage and relised it was low. now when i start it up it is high (which on the guage is about 4-5), but as it warm up it drops dramatically (0-1), does anyone know what might be the problem, i cheked the oil levels and its all good, i am gonna change the oil in about a week (P.S. any ideas on what oil i should use??), but besides that im not sure what the problem is, i was reading up on it and it and apparently it could be that the valve guides are worn out or soemthing, so if there is anyone in adelaide who might know what the problem is and could give me a diagnostics, plz let me know, we could catch up sometime.

[greasykitchen]

Hi and welcome.

I'm far from being an expert but if your valve guides are worn then there would be a bit (maybe more) of smoke on start up from oil getting in to the cylnders. This would mean the oil level would gradually drop. So maybe the valve guides can be ruled out??

Hope this is of some assistance.

And you don't see too many old Passats around these days.

[huss]

if your valve guides are worn then there would be a bit (maybe more) of smoke on start up from oil getting in to the cylnders. This would mean the oil level would gradually drop. So maybe the valve guides can be ruled out??

i hope your right, the cars engine was recon before i bought it, now sitting on about 130 000 KM's, when i bought this car beginning of December 2008, i did give it abit of a run for its money, if you u no what i mean, so maybe something blew, thats why if anyone knows anybody in Adelaide who's a good mechanic on VW's it would really be appreciated if u let me know.

[greasykitchen]

Depends on what part of Adelaide you're in. I go to GHR motors on Daws Rd and they're real good - down to earth, affordable and know their business. Then there's Volksfactory at Holden Hill and Volkscare (I think) also in the north, but I've no experience with them. The old Veedub Centre - now Cartek - might be able to help you out too.

That plus advice from other users on here might point you in the right direction.

Cheers

[brad]

i hope your right, the cars engine was recon before i bought it, now sitting on about 130 000 KM's, when i bought this car beginning of December 2008, i did give it abit of a run for its money, if you u no what i mean, so maybe something blew, thats why if anyone knows anybody in Adelaide who's a good mechanic on VW's it would really be appreciated if u let me know.

Oil gets thinner as it gets hotter, therefore the pressure will drop - whether your pressure drop is within normal range is another question. Start with the basics - correct oil & OEM grade filter, then work from there.

Forum member Transporter is an ADL based mobil mech - drop him a line.

[huss]

Depends on what part of Adelaide you're in. I go to GHR motors on Daws Rd and they're real good - down to earth, affordable and know their business.

yea i live in pasadena and GHR motors is 5 mins away from me, i think i might try them out, also ive heard of volksfactory in Holden hill might give them a buzz.

[Golf Loon]

Be worth taking the sump off when you do the oil change and checking the oil pickup.

Mind you that is quite a mission in a B1 Passat.

[h100vw]

German Auto in Kegworth Rd Melrose Park is another one.

4-5Bar cold and sub 1 hot isn't abnormal in my experience, as long as it isn't buzzing when you drive it.

Gavin

[greasykitchen]

German Auto in Kegworth Rd Melrose Park is another one.

They're more focused on later model VWs so may not be very interested in an old Passat. I used to go there though.

[huss]

German Auto in Kegworth Rd Melrose Park is another one.

4-5Bar cold and sub 1 hot isn't abnormal in my experience, as long as it isn't buzzing when you drive it.

Gavin

yea but its just weird taht when i bought it, and the engine was warmed up the bar would hover around 3,4,5 and jump abit when i accelerate, but now it gets warmed up and stays around 0-1 and doesnt jump when i accelerate

[hjsimpson01]

What was the resolve on this one? I have a 1.8 with the same symptoms....

[Peter Jones]

First thing I'd try is thicker oil in an older motor.

Penrite HPR 50 usually works for me.

Eventually it'll need a rebuild though.

[hjsimpson01]

Thanks Peter... since it is out already, I will go the rebuild...