Date:         Sun, 9 Dec 2012 16:03:41 -0600
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Oil change intervals, miles vs. time
Comments: To: Ellen in Oregon <elleninoregon@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BLU170-W1136EDDD85BC829DE73D8BDB84A0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Ellen, the GoWesty site gives some recommendations for various maintenance items in its "Library."  The owner's book also gives recommendations, if you have it.  I change the oil every five thousand miles or six months, whichever comes first.  I follow the six months even if I have driven little, having been ingrained to believe that water accumulates in the oil.  If your oil is getting cloudy, water would be the most likely cause, and if it is cloudy regularly, I'd wonder about a cooling system leak into the oil.  mcneely

---- Ellen in Oregon <elleninoregon@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote: 
> Have been following the oil change threads avidly, but now my question is, for a van that is used for camping only, spending many weeks sometimes months in garage between trips, what is the interval recommended for that?  On the camping trips, as they are generally quite far, the engine is well-warmed.  I check oil before every trip, adding if the reading is below the lower mark.  If I think the oil looks cloudy, I go ahead and change it.  But would be nice to know if there is a specific recommendation for this.
> Thank you,
> EllenLola, '85 Vanagon ASI camper conversion
> 
> ‘Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you 
> realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.’ ~Lao Tzu                                      

--
David McNeely