I think the switch itself is leaking.  I won't know until I buy the 24mm
socket to get the thing out.  Oil pressure switches are cheap, so I might
replace both.  If one's leaking, I bet the other one is not far off.

Mark
1990 Westy 2.1 manual

On Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 5:37 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <
scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:

> if there is a metal sealing ring between the oil pressure switch and the
> engine block ........
> it could be leaking there, and tightening the op switch or putting in a new
> sealing metal ring, if it uses that system, might help.
>
> Hi mark 91 westy,
> Sometimes it's hard to tell where they are actually leaking from.....
> whether from the wire connection area, the 'top' of the op switch, or from
> where it screws into the engine.
> try spraying white talcum or baby powder onto  the area, and see if that
> makes 'the' leak stand out.
>
> oil pressure switches can leak, but I can't think of the last one I replace
> for that reason, fwiw.
>
> some oil pressure switches are tapered at the threads, and don't use a
> sealing washer.
> some are not tapered, and do use a sealing washer.
> be sure of  which kind you are working on.
> if it's an aftermarket american one or something ..........I wouldn't want
> it on my vanagon, that's for sure.
> Scott
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Brush" <mbrush@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 7:18 PM
> Subject: Re: electric plug in engine block
>
>
>
>  Yep - that's where the leak was coming from - the oil pressure switch.  It
>> was leaking oil badly enough that it was picking up some water that I
>> spilled on the block during the coolant drain and fill extravaganza - so
>> it
>> looked like water.  It's oil upon closer investigation.
>>
>> So - from what I can tell - that thing has an o-ring - or maybe I'm better
>> off replacing the whole switch (maybe it's cracked or something) - any
>> thoughts on replacing the sealer (o-ring) vs. replacing the whole switch?
>>
>> eternally grateful,
>>
>> Mark
>> 1990 Westy 2.1
>>
>> On Sun, Jul 26, 2009 at 10:36 PM, Mark Brush <mbrush@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>  Yeah, that's the one.  Could mine be leaking coolant/water?  The leak
>>> must
>>> be coming from somewhere else...
>>>
>>> On Sun, Jul 26, 2009 at 10:00 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <
>>> scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>  Sounds like you are referring to the oil pressure switch there,
>>>> between the push rod tubes .
>>>> that one ?
>>>>
>>>> Scott
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Brush" <mbrush@GMAIL.COM>
>>>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>>>> Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 5:52 PM
>>>> Subject: electric plug in engine block
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>  Hi All -
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> What's that electric plug going into the engine block?  It's near the
>>>>> coolant drain plug on the left head.  Mine's leaking and I can't find
>>>>> any
>>>>> info on it in the Bentley - and I haven't found a posting on the
>>>>> listserve
>>>>> yet.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have a 1990 Westy 2.1 with a few leaks (btw - I just used the bong
>>>>> method
>>>>> for filling with coolant and it worked great!)
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>