Always an interesting topic that never fails to promote discussion. Here are a couple of links I've found useful: http://www.vtr.org/maintain/oil-overview.html http://www.vtr.org/maintain/lubricants-redline.html This is from the Vintage Triumph list, and there is other good info here for us "vintage" Vanagon owners. What I've found with the WBX (and the VW air-cooled too) is that the bearing clearances open up as the engine heats up, causing the oil pressure to decrease (adding an oil pressure gauge is very enlightening!). So, the physically thicker the oil at high temps, the higher your oil pressure will be. Here in Seattle, a temperate climate, I use 20w/50 year 'round. But if I were in Phoenix, I'd probably use a straight 50w in the summer and a 40w in the winter. Multi vis oils use polymers to extend the viscosity, and these can break down causing ring and valve problems. That's why they aren't recommended for use in two cycle engines. Probably the best solution is synthetic oil, since the higher percentage of uniform long chain molecules in the base stock requires fewer additives to attain a reasonable viscosity spread. Stuart MacMillan '84 Westy w/2.1 and lots of MGBs |
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