Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1999 01:49:14 -0700
Reply-To: BILL <billv2@PRODIGY.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: BILL <billv2@PRODIGY.NET>
Subject: Re: A Final Question about Oil...
In-Reply-To: <0.a5e898af.25528fa0@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi Scott,
Back in MT, I used 5W-30 in the winter (you know, when the temps never get
above 0 or the high is -32F) and most important--a block heater! That block
heater worked great! If you think the lighter weight oil makes a
difference--heck it doesn't compare to the block heater! We plugged it in at
home and at work. When the temperature started dropping below 10 deg. F, We
always plugged the 85 in. If I didn't, she would howl and cry. My advise to
you is to get a good block heater! My block heater got real hot. Ask me how
I know <grin> Also, one night when my wife plugged it in, she did not look
at where the cord went when she plugged it in. Yep, you guessed it, melted
the extension cord. If you use an extension cord, get one that is flexable
when cold--it helps. Also plug it into a GFI as that is what tripped when
the cord melted. Interstate's CCAs also helped! Interstate makes two
batteries that fit the vanagon. A vented and non-vented series. I use the
vented series which is rated at, I believe, around 860 CCAs. Cheaper
batteries, IMHO, don't hold up under extreme winter conditions--at least not
for long and not at -30F and colder. Please, no flames.
When I sold my 85, I took my Interstate battery out and put in a no name
brand that came with my 82 Westy when I bought it. The generic one out of
the Westy did not fit in the battery location and my Interstate does. I
forgot to grab the block heater off the 85 when I sold it. I hope the new
owner is enjoying it.
Bill V. "I'd Rather Be Hiking The
'82 CA Westy [FreeBird] Greater Yellowstone"
"Famous Potatoes"
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: A Final Question about Oil...
>
>
> Hello Kind Folks,
>
> I have read many messages on list about winter weight oil. I saw very
> little mention of the newish 0W-30 synthetics. I am interested in trying
> this oil because of the severe cold we've been experiencing early here in
> Anchorage. I've got 10W-30 in there now and my poor battery and
> starter just
> can seem to spin it fast enough. I'm also looking into a better battery,
> block heater, etc... Thanks in advance.
>
> Awaiting the Wisdom of the List
>
> Scott De Santi
> 86 Vanagon 2WD (Wobbly Bus)
> Anchorage, Alaska
>
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