Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2000 21:05:44 EDT
Reply-To: CMathis227@aol.com
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Chuck Mathis <CMathis227@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Oil Filter for '84 Vanagon
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Rod;
The only time I've seen my oil light come on (except at start up) was when I
had a non-Mann/Mahle filter on the van. I had mistakenly grabbed a Bosch
thinking Bosch = German = Good. Fortunately nothing truely bad happened.
Since then I've been following the party line using the "official" German
filter. I've been running Mobil-1 for a while and nobody has ever said
anything about having to use a Mobil-1 filter -- until your post I'd never
heard of them. Check out the Bus Depot and order some of the "official"
filters. They cost a bit more and you have to order at least four but it
looks to me like it will save you problems in the long run.
Oddly enough the Vanagon loves the Mobil-1 using less than half a quart
between oil changes. I was so impressed I tried it in my newer Honda Civic.
I couldn't keep the stuff in there -- so much for the Japanese precision.
Switching back to dino oil dramatically reduced the oil usage.
Chuck
'85 Wolfsburg Weekender 'Roland'
Rod wrote:
>I need to change the oil in my van and the PO said he always used 10w50
Mobil-1 in it. When I went to AutoZone, I got a case of oil and the filter
the salesman said I needed a Mobil-1 oil filter. Is this right? I have seen a
couple of different postings to the list saying not to use any FRAM filters,
btu what about the MOBIL-1 filter? Also, what is the recommended oil filter
for the '84 Wolfsburg Weekender with 1.9L wasserboxer? I've heard about Mahle
on the list is there any others and where are they available?
Should I flush the engine, as some have suggested to try to rid it of gunk or
would it be better to just change the oil for now and see how things go? I
have always changed my oil every 3,000 miles or so and never had any problems
with previous VWs, but this vanagon is new to me and I couldn't get a service
history on the Wolfy before I purchased it. I am thinking about changing the
oil and oil filter and running it about 1,000 miles and then check the oil
viscosity and clarity. If it looks dirty, then I would change it again and
maybe flush the system at that time. Any advice from fellow listees?
TIA
Rodney Kindlund
Asheville, NC
'84 Wolfy Weekender<
