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Date:         Sun, 10 Oct 2004 15:36:29 -0400
Reply-To:     Sam Walters <sam.cooks@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Sam Walters <sam.cooks@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: safe RPM
In-Reply-To:  <a06001c4aeed$a6583fa0$6401a8c0@yoursz6x6sefxo>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

In the past a number of people who have oil temp gauges, and/or oil pressure gauges, and tachometers have noted that right at 4,000 rpm steady state driving, the oil temperature seems to significantly increase. When the oil temperature gets beyond a certain point, about 250 degrees, IIRC, the pressure is less and the protection of the engine is therefore decreased. Oil temperature is reported to be noticeably lower at 3,600-3,800 rpm steady state driving. This discussion has been on both this list and on the Syncro list - perhaps more there than here.

As Bob Donalds noted, this does not refer the rpm's when you are accelerating from a stop or in changes in stop and go driving, but steady road driving.

Based on this many have recommended that you run your van at slightly below 4,000 on the highway or any other steady state operation. While I used to drive my 84 over 70 consistently and thus well past 4,000 rpm before learning about these concerns on the lists, I now rarely drive beyond 3,800 rpm and then only for short distances, like passing, etc. I also know that I am saving on gas mileage at the lower speeds.

However, I often go up to 4,500 or more when accelerating through traffic.

Sam

-- Sam Walters Baltimore, MD

89 Syncro GL 85 Westy Weekender 84 Vanagon, original owner, soon to be retired, just too many problems

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