Oil pressure Failure- questions 1981 scirocco

[rocco16 at sbcglobal.net (Larry Fry)]

Dave,
It occaisonally happens that the pressure relief valve in the oil pump
decides to stick in the open position, resulting in zero pressure(of course)
until the engine is shut off and restarted.
  Mann oil filters told me this some time ago when the same thing happened
to my son's '81 S (after installing a new Mann filter).  I told them they
were full of it and that their filter was defective...as it turned out, they
were right and I was wrong.  Sounds like a new part is in order if this
happens to you frequently.
Larry




> I am experiencing intermittent oil pressure problems since I performed
> recent work last week. I can't help to think it may be related. But how?
>
> I replaced my rear crank oil seal along with my clutch.  I also took the
oil
> pan off and installed a "windage tray". In the process I had to remove the
> oil pump. I had no problems with re-assembly, and torqued the pump bolts
to
> specifications. Additionally, I an NOT experiencing any oil leaks and have
> an adequate oil level.
>
> The nature of the problem is bizarre. Some times when I start the engine I
> have zero pressure. At other times it is if nothing is wrong and my gauge
is
> showing normal pressure.
>
> What is the problem?  Just a oil pump going bad?
>
> Anybody else experience this?
>
> David Guido
> 1981 Scirroco "S"
> 1980 Scirocco 16v project