At 13:39 9/22/2000, TieDye wrote:
>motor oil to run in my vanagon, I had a suggestion of 20w50, but this seems
>quite thick to me, Any suggestions from the list...

Volkswagen specifies 20W50 or 20W40 for temperatures from 20F/-7C and
higher.  They specify 15W50 or 15W40 for temps 5F/-15C and higher.  They
specify 10W30/10W40 for temps between -5F and 60F, not higher.  They
specify 5W30/5W20 for temps 15F and lower.  In single-weight oils they
specify SAE40 for temps 70F and higher, SAE30 for 30F to 90F, 20W20 for
10F-50F, and 10W for 25F and lower.

Oil must meet API service spec SF or SG.

My own suggestion is to follow VW's specification.  Specs are in the owners
manual, also in Bentley Vehicle Care appendix, page 7.  A simplified
version is in Haynes, page 0-16.

>        And... does anyone know of any nationwide chains that would sell the
>suggested 'orange' antifreeze? (phosphate free)

All of them.  This stuff is otherwise known as (or meets the specs of)
"Dexcool" which is a General Motors spec.  Prestone and ?Havoline? make
coolants to this spec.

david

David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"