Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:24:34 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Preemptive water pump replacement? Miscellaneous Chatter
In-Reply-To: <1330005180.31255.YahooMailNeo@web36403.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
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The 20w-50 is the preferred oil viscosity for most climates. It is good down
to about 20F as long as you are somewhat careful to avoid revving the engine
over 2,000 rpm for the first minute or two after start up. The oil pressure
relief valve only has "so much" capacity to handle the excess pressure when
the oil can't flow through the bearings. So of the nasty's that can happen
from excess oil pressure include damaged or blown out oil filters, (86 and
later the oil cooler), broken oil pump shaft (the drive tab), crank seals
pushed out of the case and my favorite is having bearing hydraulically lock
to the crank and spin with it. I've seen main bearings turned so hard the
pin hole was lengthened by 3/8 inch. These problems are not unique to the
Vanagon. When we get cold snaps here on Long Island all sorts of failures
occur to many vehicles. Cam seals getting pushed out is common on many
vehicles. Then the unknowing driver ignores that oil pressure warning light
until the engine makes noise or stops. My point is that the proper oil for
real cold weather use should not be taken lightly. Proper startup and
warming procedures need to be used.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dake Collins
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2012 8:53 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Preemptive water pump replacement? Miscellaneous Chatter
Tom,
I am not, by any definition, an expert on these things - I rely on other
for such things. I use 20-50 oil and it has worked for me in coastal &
downeast Maine for the 7+ years I've owned my '84 Westy. I use it because
it's what was recommended to me by a friend who I consider to be
knowledgeable about such things.
I hope this helps & if anyone has a suggestion as to why I shouldn't use
20-50 - please let me know.
Dake
________________________________
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 12:20 PM
Subject: Re: Preemptive water pump replacement? Miscellaneous Chatter
Dake, maybe you could clue Tom in on the oil you use and why.
---- Dake Collins <wuwe423@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
>
Hi Tom,
Welcome to Maine, I'm looking forward to having another list member in the
area & closer than Houlton. I park my '84 Westy in Liberty, just outside of
Belfast and home of Liberty Tool Co. (a must see in Maine). I get to Blue
Hill frequently. I attend some of the campouts (just got back from Dead of
Winter in Georgia) but mostly I explore on my own - if you're unfamiliar
with Maine I'd be glad to show you some of the sights.
Give me a shout when you get your wheels under you in Blue Hill.
Welcome to Maine,
Dake
________________________________
I am finally getting ready to leave Salt lake City for Blue Hill, Maine, &
am wondering whether I should put the new Heppu water pump I have in my
parts stash in now instead of on the road in some god forsaken place on the
way? My present water pump appears to be doing fine, but has about 87.5k on
it after I had it replaced while on a road trip, 8 years ago.
I am looking forward to attending some of the East coast campouts this
Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter, so hide your good looking wimin, & bring out the
syncro dokas as I am interested.
YMMV,
Mr. BZ-what's a guy from Hawaii doing moving to Maine? (Besides Mike in
Houlton Maine)? Answer: Grandkids!
--
David McNeely
