Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 21:17:24 -0500
Reply-To: Bradley Flubacher <flub@ADELPHIA.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bradley Flubacher <flub@ADELPHIA.NET>
Subject: Re: Gradual switch to synthetic oil?
In-Reply-To: <014c01c1c0b2$08ef59a0$6401a8c0@vista1.sdca.home.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Uh-oh, here comes the debate again. It was interesting for me to hear a
short while back on this list that some people are apposed to using an
engine flush. Their thoughts included the notion that losening up particals
can cause damage when they get stuck somewhere else.
I've run engine flushes through an Acura Integra with 260,000km, the '84
with 209,000 miles, and also my rabbit with 262,000 miles. I've eperienced
no adverse results from any flushes.
I flushed the '84 before switching to amsoil 15w40 synthetic. I ran it only
for a short while before I had to replace pushrod tubs because of leaky
seals. I'm back on petrolium oil for the time being, but I intend to
switch back to either amsoil or mobile 1. That engine has been dry
underneath for a long while.
I'm running natural oil in the rabbit. I just started the job of replacing
the head gasket. After that's done, I may switch to a synthetic in it if the
gasket takes care all the oil leaks. I've got a lot of cleaning to do.
I'm just starting the break-in period on my '82 westy. I have about 800
miles on the rebuild. This is the first engine I've rebuilt, and it's
running pretty good. I'm a bit concerned about a sign of oil seapage from
the head gasket. I'm going to complete the head-bolt torquing procedure
very soon. I hope that cures the seapage. I've subscribed to the notion
that to break in an engine, you shouldn't be a pussy with it. I'm wondering
if maybe I ran it too hard at some point. I'm probably either overreacting,
or I'll be doing another head gasket before I intended. I spaced out for a
minute while torquing those head bolts. I thought I might have missed a step
on one of the bolts.. bad. The funny thoughts that run through your mind
while humming along.
Bradley Flubacher
State College, PA
'81 diesel rabbit
'82 diesel westy
'82 diesel van
'84 GL wasserboxer
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of developtrust
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2002 6:46 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Gradual switch to synthetic oil?
I recall on the synthetic oil thread a while back that it is advisable to do
an engine flush first to clean it out like for example to remove one quart
of oil and add one quart of Marvel Mystery oil and run it for about 300
miles then change filter and oil. This is what I did and it seems to be
working OK.
In my case I did the 5 minute engine flush first with Gunk Engine flush then
ran Marvel for 300 miles with new oil before I switched to synthetic. If you
do the engine flush just follow directions on the can.
If you do a flush follow Stan Wilder's advice and filter the oil using a
white coffee filter after it settles to see what crud came out and/or use a
magnet to see if any metal is in the residue. Filter only the last 1/2 cup
of oil dregs after mixing 50/50 with gasoline. Remember to capture the oil
in a clean can to get pure results. Do the filter thing with the 5 minute
flush and also with the marvel oil run.
William Polowniak
1989 Vanagon GL
1988 Mercedes 300 SE
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Aldrich" <daldrich@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2002 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: Gradual switch to synthetic oil?
> The other issue as I understand it is synthetic's superior detergent
properties. On an older engine, switching to synthetic can break down
deposits in the engine, clogging the oil filter causing loss of the engine
in a short time due to oil starvation.
>
> -d
>
> At 06:25 PM 2/28/02 -0500, you wrote:
> >I agree now is the time. The problem as I understand it is when you start
> >when your seals are old and hard. Your seals are new and your clearences
ore
> >good so go for it.
> >
> >Joe
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: "Max Wellhouse" <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
> >To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> >Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 1:52 PM
> >Subject: Gradual switch to synthetic oil?
> >
> >
> >> Anyone thought of dealing with the perceived notion of switching to
> >> synthetic oil by first going to a "blend" oil for a couple of oil
changes
> >> and then going to the full synthetic? Keeping in mind that staying
with
> >> the same manufacturer might be a good idea.
> >>
> >> All input welcome. Have almost 9k on the Boston Bob rebuild and if I'm
> >> going to switch, I guess now would be time time.