FAQ 89

Question: I own a '74 super beetle and recently I've noticed that my oil light keeps coming on no matter how many times I check and fill the oil. When i've pulled over to look and see if something is amiss I find oil slecked all over the back left rear of my car. After opening the deck lid I've noticed a rather profuse amount of oil covering almost everything. I've been looking at it to see if something has come loose,split etc..and I cant figure anything out.

Answer: Uh. Oh. It sounds like your engine is ready for a rebuild. Rebuilt engines are usually about $1200. On my parts page I list info for Wayne Dittmann. He does great rebuilds at a much lower price than larger places. You can rebuild the engine yourself, but parts alone are in the $500 to $700 range. Avoid cheaper kits. You can send your case off to be machined by Rimco. It is fun to rebuild, but more efficient time-wise to buy a rebuilt.

You probably have several problems. I'm guessing the low pressure is from oil blowing around your worn main crank bearings. The oil on the outside of the engine is probably coming from the oil cooler. When I pulled out my engine, I found a couple of loose case bolts, so that the split between the two case halves was also leaking. Your oil pump might also be worn. It is also possible that your oil pressure relief valves are sticking open. Leaking oil can be fixed. Low pressure is an almost sure sign that it is time to rebuild.

The exception would be if you had a faulty oil pressure sender. You could check that first since it is inexpensive. You'll want to get a new sender for your rebuilt engine anyway, so it isn't a waste to replace it now.

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