Rebuild or ?

[markz2004]

Any input would be appreciated.

Engine has good compression, runs well, and doesn't burn oil. However on a recent trip the oil light and buzzer went off. Driving at normal highway speeds (62-65mph), I could watch the oil pressure on the gauge slowly drop as the engine reached operating temp over a 15 minute period - temp needle just slightly above the midpoint light, but less than 3/4 of the temp gauge. When the gauge (VDO) settled on 20 psi (3400 rpms) the buzzer went off. Pulling over, oil level was full (20w50). After the engine cooled a bit, I decided to continue the trip at lower speeds. If I drove 55 mph (3000rpms), the engine didn't get as hot? - although the temp gauge read about the same as before, the pressure stayed high enough to keep the buzzer from going off, but still not oil pressure not greater than 25 psi. Temp senders and oil pressure gauge is new. The engine has 245k on it with a top end rebuild about 60k ago.

My main thought is that if I come up with a band aid to get the pressure higher (pressure relief spring, oil cooler, etc.) I am still left with an engine with 245k miles on the bottom end.

thanks to all,
Mark
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87 Westy, 250k GW 2.4 - 2.0 , 16" wheels

[nomadik]

Get another summer out of her.

[tencentlife]

The dreaded 2.1 rod-bolt failure may be in your future, with those miles. A quarter-mil is plenty to get out of any engine, even a Mercedes. If I drove the van regularly, and I could afford it, I would be shopping for a rebuild, either in-the-box or DIY.
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Shop for unique Vanagon accessories at the Vanistan shop:
https://intrepidoverland.com/vanistan/

Please don't PM here, I will not reply.

Experience is kryptonite to doctrine.

[PDXWesty]

I had a similar problem with my oil buzzer going off on my old van (high miles) after I went to a jiffy lube once for a filter/oil change. Never do that again. When I switched to a german filter and oil it stopped. Don't know if it's the same thing, but that was my experience.