Oil Light After An Hour on the Freeway

[Mark_Oregon]

I have a 2002 Passat 1.8t that does just fine until I've been on the freeway for about an hour when the Stop Engine light comes on warning of low oil pressure. I figure it is sludge related, but I've heard more about pressure problems at idle than at 65 mph. I'm running Castrol Syntec 10-30. Should I run 10-40. Is the oil getting too hot and too thin, or could it be getting too thick and not draining back quick enough?

Is this likely a coked up intake screen? Any thoughts on cleaning this kind of blockage without dropping the pan, a real p.i.t.a. and $750?

thanks y'all,

M

 

[mechanicx]

I assume your oil level is right. How long of an OCI are you running and what kind of oil filter? I think you should change the oil and filter and add a heavier 40 wt oil. Do you see any signs of sludge in the engine through oil filler cap? If so you could try running marvel mystery oil to clean it out. I'm not real familar wiht this car but I assume you just have an oil light and not an oil guage. If these steps don't quickly solve the problem, I would take it to a shop and make sure it does ahve good oil pressure and that the oil sending unit isn't bad or somethingl ike that.

 

[Market525]

I'd say you definately have the infamous 1.8T sludge problem. Is Syntec rated for use in VW's? Spec 502 or something? I didn't think it was.

Some folks have been able to use AutoRX & live; others end up dropping the pan, cleaning it & the oil pump pickup out.

 

[Steve S]

Auto R/X ? ? ?

 

[Herz]

pull a valve cover off and look

 

[PT1]

I would go with a thinner 10w30 like Castrol Edge if it meets VW spec. . AND definitely look inside the engine. I would also order my autorx today and plan for that treatment. You might get lucky. If you know anyone with a boroscope you can look inside the oil pan through the drain hole.