5W-30 worked fine for me (the low # is all you're concerned about) drove my
88GL thru a couple of Alberta (that's North of Montana...) winters, and had
no problems.  Temps around -30C or so in the morning.  I used Castrol, too.
Defroster and heater left a lot to be desired, I had to scrape the inside of
my windshield and wear a touque...
----- Original Message -----
From: "Max Wellhouse" <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2003 8:18 AM
Subject: Yankee oil viscosity for 2.1?

> Well, Yankee might be a bit harsh, so I'll call my self a redneck. There!!
>
> Our family will be moving from Central Arkansas to Cedar Falls, Iowa in
the
> next several weeks and I'm trying to get at least the Vanagon ready for
> cold it's not accustomed to.  I've got Castrol 5w50 synthetic in the
> crankcase  and coming up on an oil change.  Will it get thin enough to
> start and lubricate below zero?  If not, what SHOULD I have in there that
> Castrol sells?  I've recently replaced the Redline MTL in the tranny.  Any
> votes on the best group 41 battery there
> is.  Interstate  Continental   DieHard?  Does the glycerin keep the rubber
> gaskets from freezing to the body metal?
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Max
>