Date:         Sun, 06 Jul 1997 20:57:54 -0400
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Thomas <vanagon@atl.mindspring.com>
Subject:      Re: 83 Westy update

>Date: Mon, 30 Jun 1997 23:46:38 -0400
>To: Lawrence Johnson <ljohnson@halhinet.on.ca>
>From: Bill Thomas <vanagon@atl.mindspring.com>
>Subject: Re: 83 Westy update
>
>At 08:30 AM 6/30/97 -0400, you wrote:
>>> 
>>> Plan on switching to Castrol Syntec 5W-50 100% synthetic at next oil change.
>>> Have used it with excellent results in BMW's, Toyotas, and even in the
>>> 1600cc type II engine in my 69 Westy.  Cuts oil consumption to near zero in
>>> sound engines.
>>> 
>>I hope this was a typo, but 15W-50 synthetic would be more appropriate
>>in warm/hot weather, and 5W-50 for very cold weather. I doubt 5W-50
>>synthetic would produce adequate oil pressure once the engine is up to
>>termperature.
>>Larry
>>'86 Sycro Westy
>
>Larry,
>
>5W-50 is correct.  I have never encountered a problem with oil pressure, at
least as indicated by a flickering light at low rpms.  This includes a
number of desert crossings in the summer (Mojave and Anza Borrego) with air
temperatures of  +110 F.
>
>Perhaps the idiot light is not a good indicator of insufficient oil
pressure due to thin oil.  Still, I use this oil year round and get easy
starts in the winter and seem to get good summer protection - at least from
a standpoint of oil consumption.  Would welcome additional feedback.  Will
post info later this summer after the switch.
>
>Bill
>83 Westy >
>