Date:         Fri, 13 Oct 2000 19:28:23 -0700
Reply-To:     Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject:      Re: Westy Questions
Comments: To: "Jason R. Denton" <flyang@INTELLISYS.NET>
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

  I am new to Westy ownership and would appreciate some tips/advice on a few questions:

  1).  What type of oil (sythetic/blend/normal) and weight (10/30 20/50)?  I am from the northeast.  It is a new rebuilt engine (10K on it) and was told to use 20/50?  I have been using Castrol 20/50 synthetic blend with Mahle filters.

  depends on the temperature. the guidlines are in the owner's manual. but generally 20/50 is the best in the summer and a lower viscosity in the winter if you live where it gets really cold... see owner's manual.

  2).  It has new Brigestone 8ply tires. What tire pressures should I run?  35 front/ 40 rear....that is one I heard?

  the only way to be sure is to go to a good dealer that sells the same brand and ask them for a weight vs. pressure chart... that will tell you the minimum pressure you can get away with... the maximum should be printed on the side of the tire... but if you go to the minimum and it doesn't feel right or the profile of the tire doesn't look right... use more air...

  3).  What RPM range is good from highway driving (long term ownership).....3200..3500..4000rpm?  Seem high to run 4000 on highway, although I am used to lower rpm engines.   I am running 3400rpm@65mph.

  I don't know about yours... but my 90 has a tachometer with a green section and an organge section... the green is good... the orange or red is to be avoided... 

  4).  Does anyone use Redline water-wetter?  Is it worth it?

  there has been much discussion on the list about this... check out the archives.... my personal feeling is that if your cooling system is working propery you don't need it... also my thinking is that when you make water 'wetter' it can flow into smaller places... and perhaps leak!

  Bill

  Thanks for any information you could pass my way.   So far, I love the new Westfalia experience.

  Thanks, JD  85 Westy   

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