Date:         Tue, 18 Nov 2003 13:06:10 -0500
Reply-To:     robertmstewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         robertmstewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Fluids: Which are best for Vanagon Longevity?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"

Hi everyone, 

I am sure this topic has been discussed but itıs time to change some of the
fluids and I want to use the best for the longevity of engine life for the
van. 

What is best and what are the options? How often should these type of fluids
be changed?

 My 89 Carat Auto just hit 150,000 miles, I just put about 1500 miles on it
and considered changing some of the fluids.

*(Note: I see dried oil caked up around the gasket heads, so sheıs
definitely leaking slowly even though the compression is still good I do
have reservations about changing the engine oil as I donıt want to aggravate
the slow gasket leak into a full blown dripping leak. Just an FYI. If just
replacing the head gaskets will rectify the leak than replacement is
imminent.)

Frank Condelli sells the following items, so I assume what he sells are his
top choices, what are yours and why?:

Redline GL-4 Synthetic gear oil, US quart                                  
                                                               19.95
? Is Synthetic better than regular Mobil oilıs?

DEXRON III ATF, 1 litre                                                    
                                                                        
3.25 
?Everyone mentions this type but is there anything better?  Why is this
better/

Brake fluid, dot 4, UNK BF4350                                              
                                                                    4.95
?Is there is a best brand?

Brake fluid, dot 4, Pentosin, 1 litre, 6250                                
                                                                   10.00
?Is there is a best brand?

Antifreeze, German, Blue, 5 liter, 1540L                                   
                                                                22.50
?Is there is a best brand?

Marvel Mystery Oil, 1 qt. ~ 946 ml, Chieftain 013                           
                                                        14.95
?What is mystery oil? Is this like racing oil?