A very good question you have raised, for safety is at stake.

I have been using the Valvoline Synpower you describe in both my
Vanagons, my Scirocco 16V and other VWs for years, no ill effects.
The label states that it is for systems designed for DOT3 & 4.
It works well in my Syncro's clutch system, which has never had any
other fluid in it's renewed hydraulic system.
I've been aware that no DOT5 shall pass the filler neck of our VW's
reservoirs, so this isn't dumb luck.
Frankly, I would say to continue using it.

Disclaimer: Please use your own judgement, as I am not a professional
mechanic and cannot be held liable for anything that happens as a result
of my anecdotal advice.

Ron
'86 SyncroWesty - Quadrat
'88 Wolfie - Bluberry 'etc.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Christensen
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2003 10:06 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: YIKES! was clutch not working

I think have read DO NOT USE dot-5 brake fluid for vanagon. causes
corrosion.

I checked my stuff--added valvoline "synpower"(sythetic) exceeds dot-3 &
4
nowhere does it say dot-5 or silicone.  It does say "synthetic formula".

lesson:
Didn't notice that on label; just read good for brakes and hydraulic
clutch...READ LABEL more carefully (Of course, I never thought I had to
do reasearch just to add brake fluid to a vehicle.)

I e-mailed question to valvoline but expect no response until Monday or
tues.

Chris C
90 multivan