I have seen the effect as well.  If you fill it to "full", the engine will
burn it off to about 1/4" or so below full.  Maybe the oil is getting into
the cylinders?  I only see this at 65 mph (~3800 rpm).   I don't think a
few ounces of oil would make much difference in lubrication ability--half
way should be fine.  I am considering going to a diesel filter next time
and filling to the half-way mark or slightly less.  More oil in the case
would only help if you had a bigger case?  Raising the level of the oil
just gets the oil closer to the heat--just my opinion.
                                                   Jay

Terry Kay <CTONLINE@WEBTV.NET> on 06/25/2001 09:40:25 AM

Please respond to Terry Kay <CTONLINE@WEBTV.NET>

To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
cc:    (bcc: Jay L Snyder/AE/DuPont)
Subject:

Ken,
Here is another thought-----
If we were talking about an air cooled engine, where the oil is the
total cooling feature, this would all be understandable.
But seeing as how we are talking about a liquid cooled engine, the
cooling factor shouldn't be as critical.
All engines have a percentage of foaming in the oil.
And I'm sure the guys who designed the engines took all this into
consideration.
Anyone ever thought that possibly the oil level was set so the cam would
run in it?
I believe in making a better mouse trap, but but trying to re-engineer
the cooling capabilities of a watterboxer, by running it low on oil,
just doesn't sound like my cup of tea, nor make one iota of sense.
Later,
            ______________
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Terry--
74 Campmobile- (Clementine)
85 GL- (Delilah)
86 BMW 325 ES- (Eva)