Date:         Thu, 14 Sep 2000 11:26:51 -0400
Reply-To:     Lawrence Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Lawrence Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject:      Re: 2.1 conversion warning--and solution
Comments: To: Stuart MacMillan <macmillan@HOME.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Stuart,
I've heard that synthetic oils are poorer conductors of heat than conventional
(dino) oils. If this is true, couldn't the operating temperatures actually
increase with Red Line synthetic oil?
I have a similar concern with using a synthetic gear oil in my syncro's front
differential. The differential is bolted directly to the Viscous Coupling housing.
If the heat, instead of dissipating through the differential housing, migrates to
the VC then I have a problem. The VC is VERY sensitive to temperatures and will
tend to engage prematurely if hot.

Can any List member confirm/refute the heat conductivity characteristics of
synthetics? Any specific recommendations on where/when to use it?

Thanks in advance,
Larry
'86 Syncro Westfalia & Doublecab

Stuart MacMillan wrote:

> <snip>These operating temps are what has prompted me to switch to Red Line oil
> after the 3000 mile break in period along with my Trasko oil filter
> system.  Oil is the engine's life blood!<snip>