Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:59:22 -0500
Reply-To: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: What do I need?
In-Reply-To: <699b6e3f0711241654r668ebd4cv8ed149dc40b426b7@mail.gmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
That's the one.
Mike
PB wrote:
> Would this be the drain plug crush washer?
> http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=N0138492
> If not, do you have the part number for either Bus Depot or Vanagain?
> I'm about to put in an order.
> Patti
> ********************
>
> On Nov 24, 2007 4:40 PM, Mike Collum <collum@verizon.net
> <mailto:collum@verizon.net>> wrote:
>
> Actually, Patti, Vanagons do better when the oil is between the Min and
> Max marks. Even when I change the oil I only put enough fresh oil in to
> register about half way between them. When at the Max mark (and
> certainly when over the mark) the oil tends to froth a bit.
>
> As to changing oil, there are some oil filters to avoid. I always use a
> Mann or Mahle filter. I replace the drain plug crush washer every time
> I remove the drain plug. They are single use items. If reused, the
> tendency is to overtighten the plug so as to prevent oil leaks and the
> threads in the case can be stripped. My FLAPS doesn't carry the right
> size washers so I order a bunch of them at a time from places like
> BusDepot or Vanagain at the same time as I order filters.
>
> Many folks don't realize that the oil fill tube telescopes out a few
> inches. Remove the oil cap and pull the inner section of the tube
> outward until it clicks. I still use a long skinny funnel but the fact
> that the fill tube extends sure makes it easier.
>
> All that said, changing the oil and filter is pretty much like what
> you'd on any engine. Remove drain plug and drain oil into a suitable
> container. Replace crush washer on plug. Put fresh oil into the new
> filter (about 3/4 of the way up) and screw it on. Replace drain plug.
> Put fresh oil in being careful not to over fill.
>
> Where I am in northern Maine, I use Castrol 5W 50 oil in the winter.
> The engine would never start in the minus temperatures we experience
> otherwise. I could use it year round if it were easier to get but 20W
> 50 is easy to get so that's what I use in warmer weather. Another good
> choice is Mobil 1 15W 50.
>
> Mike
>
>
>
> PB wrote:
> > Another question: are there any "quirks" about changing the oil in a
> > vanagon? My oil is about halfway between the full and add oil
> mark on
> > the dipstick. I'd like to change the oil and filter instead of
> adding
> > more. The automotive technology class at my high school does oil
> > changes, so if it's simple and routine, I'll let them do it. Of
> course
> > I'd remove the rear cushions and tarp everything in sight! I've had
> > work done in high school classes. The work is usually good, but
> there
> > are often a few oil smudges where they don't belong.
> > Patti
> > *********************************
> > On Nov 24, 2007 4:07 PM, PB < pbrattan@gmail.com
> <mailto:pbrattan@gmail.com>
> > <mailto:pbrattan@gmail.com <mailto:pbrattan@gmail.com>>> wrote:
> >
> > I just noticed that spoiler. At first I thought it was part
> of the
> > bumper. It looks easy to remove. When I have a little time
> I'll go
> > under there with some screwdrivers and a flashlight and see
> how it's
> > installed. I bet that'll solve the problem. It hangs down a
> good 5
> > or 6 inches below the actual bumper.
> > Patti
> > ******************************
> >
> > On Nov 24, 2007 3:29 PM, Mike Collum <collum@verizon.net
> <mailto:collum@verizon.net>
> > <mailto:collum@verizon.net <mailto:collum@verizon.net>> > wrote:
> >
> > Patti,
> >
> > Your '90 has (had?) a spoiler (sometimes called an air dam)
> > below the
> > bumper that is probably what is dragging. You can remove
> that
> > spoiler
> > if that's the problem.
> >
> > Mike
> >
> >
> >
>
>
| 
