I concur with this oil recommendation.  I run 20w50 in my 1.9l boxer.
During my recent 2500 mile trip I drove extensively at speeds of 75 MPH up
some very long inclines (OK, my speed did drop to 70 or 65 depending on the
size of the hill) and experienced no trouble.  I have almost 130 K on that
engine.  I do use the ridiculously expensive but so necessary VW factory
filter.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Stuart MacMillan
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2000 1:59 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Oil Viscosity Recommendations

10w/40 is fine for a new or low mileage engine, but as the 2.1 ages you
need a higher weight oil, I use 20w/50.  I have an oil pressure gauge,
and I can see the pressure drop in direct proportion to the time driven
in hot weather, and it is especially dramatic when climbing.  The main
bearing saddles open up a bit and the oil thins with heat, and the
higher the mileage the worse the problem will be.

Bring your own oil if they don't have 20w/50.

--
Stuart MacMillan
Seattle

'84 Vanagon Westfalia (converted to 2.1)
'65 MGB (Driven since 1969)
'74 MGB GT (Restoring)

Assisting on Restoration:
'72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
'64 MGB (Son's)

Parts cars:
'68 & '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT