Hi again,
     I started using 20-50 oil last fall when I bought my '85 Westy 4-speed
and headed alone to Mexico.  She had 194,000 miles total on her, incl.
20,000 on the rebuilt.
     In the five months there and back, 15,000 miles, she pulled some pretty
steep mountain passes at elevations from 5-9,000 ft.
And coming back in May--thru Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona-- the weather
got pretty hot.  I was temped at times to turn on the AC, but was afraid to
do it!  Only once did the needle ever nose beyond the half way mark. I
carried 20-50 with me, and changed the oil and filter every 3,000 miles.
She ran beautifully!
    Of course, that was  before I became a list member, and learned what can
go wrong.  And too, I left here thinking I could get Vanagon service in
Mexico, which is simply not the case.  Mexico VW manufactures air cooled
60's style "combis."  I was lucky.  Next time I'll probably carry a
replacement fuel and water pump.  Before I left,  I asked a guy I know who
also drives a Vanagon to Mexico every each winter what advice he could
offer.  He said, "take enough extra cash along to buy a whole new car!"
    Tomorrow Hester goes for an engine steam clean; then I'll let the German
mechanic have a look at her coolant hoses.  I greatly appreciate the
feedback & advice.  Thanks!
Let me know when there's a Vanagon happening in the Bay Area...
Phaedra
'85 Westy-Wolf
"Hester"