Hi!
memtest86 found the reason for the pagefaults. It was a defective memory
module. I replaced it wiht a new one and everything worked fine. The new
kernel compiled with no error.
I even could repair the defective module. There was a tiny white spot,
merely visible, between two contact paths of the board. I removed it and
I have a working 32MB module again.
Thanks to the one with the tip with memtest86!
   Alex.