Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:40:33 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Fwd: '87 Westy - Oil Change, out of hibernation
In-Reply-To: <CAB2RwfitFYT+FdB2yyv8PAmH3-541Xgmz5L89UDu+e7Dw8xd8g@mail.gmail.com>
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Sorry about the delay in getting back to you and I think others have maybe
answered your question but here are some other thoughts.
As part of the thought process does your installation include the oil to
water heat exchanger? This can make a huge difference.
If the cooler is there and you are not sustaining loads and speeds that
exceeds the lubrication system to dissipate and control the heat load there
should not be much difference in the bulk oil temperature. If you are
exceeding the system limits than that needs to be addressed. While heavier
oil may help maintain oil pressure overheated oil will eventually lead to
excessive wear, ring damage and the seals and gaskets will be short lived.
So since this engine is now in an application different from its intended
application some testing/measuring of oil temperatures and maybe pressure is
warranted. Without gauges, get one of those infrared thermometers. Run it
long and hard on the highway for 30 minutes. Pull over and shut the engine
off, do not let it idle, just kill it ASAP. Run out and get some temp
readings off the oil filter and pan. Go for the head and transmission while
there. Anything over 230 or so should get some attention.
The inline engines do not have oil pressure problems like the water boxers
unless the cam tunnel in the head is wiped out. That said, for your climate
I see no reason you can't use the 15w-40 all year. If you are able to get
the oil temp regularly over 230 or so you should consider additional oil
cooling. Ideally oil temperature should follow coolant temperature with a
10-20 degree difference. I see no reason to go to a thinner oil unless temps
get near 20f or lower. Even 20w-50 is okay just below freezing.
One of the reasons I am partial to the synthetics is their performance at
extremes, especially their resistance to thickening when cold.
Using a heavier oil than necessary does rob some power and economy. If this
was my rig, I would go with the Mobil 1 or Amsoil 0w-40 European formulae
and if oil temp or pressure becomes a problem I would address it with
additional cooling. There are also a number of great 5w-40 synthetics. For
those reading this with Water Boxers the extra viscosity is sometimes needed
so 15w-50 or 20w-50 is a better choice there.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
neil n
Sent: Monday, March 25, 2013 1:51 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Fwd: '87 Westy - Oil Change, out of hibernation
This is re: my '81 Vanagon with Jetta 2.0 swap. Hope to get out camping
soon. Will be in cooler PNW climes possibly traveling into CA warmer climes.
Maybe I should run 10W-40 during this currently cooler to subsequent warmer
season?
Was running 15W-40 year round but rarely drive the van in temps cooler than
0º C.
The web shows use of multi viscosity oils up to 40W for this 2.0 in a Jetta,
but since this engine works harder in a Vanagon and may see higher oil
temps, maybe I should use a *w-50 oil?
Bad idea?
Neil.
On Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 9:51 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:
> You would be amazed the engine damage that can occur from the wrong oil
viscosity in cold weather. Even on non VWs. Modern engines can usually start
no matter what now. Have oil that is too thick and all sorts of stuff
happens. My favorite is crank and cam seals actually getting pushed out.
Hondas and Toyotas. BTDT.
--
Neil n
65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engine
s
