Another consideration for your oil is the Diesel engine service rating.
You want to see CH-4 or CI-4. These ratings indicate the oils ability to
handle soot without changing the Viscosity. CF, CH oil without the -4
are considered adequate only for light duty, non turbo engines. The only
oil that meets both the 5w-40 viscosity and the CI-4 is Mobil Delvac 1.
Note the Delvac! Regular Mobil 1 does not have the higher Diesel
ratings. It is available at most truck stops and larger oil
distributors. Unless you live in very cold areas, there is no problem
using 15w-40. Amsoil does sell a 5w-30 and a 10w-40, and a 15w-40 with
those ratings. Their 10w-40 may be a better choice than the 5w-40 due to
the higher base viscosity.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Stewart, Donna
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2004 10:25 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: TDI or not--Oil Question

My beetle TDI specifies full synthetic 5-40 to be changed every 5,000
miles--problem is I'm having difficulty finding 5-40.  Can I use 15-40
or some other grade of synthetic?  Can't get a straight answer from VW
mechanics at my local dealer.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of David Brodbeck
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 6:10 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: TDI or not?

On Wed, 21 Jan 2004, zolo wrote:

> If I get a Vanagon with a turbo diesel, would it be having more
trouble
> than if I bought a diesel without turbo?

It probably depends a lot on how well the conversion was done and how
it's
been treated since.  It could be a great van, if the conversion was done
well and the engine has been well cared for.  The biggest problem with
the
regular diesel Vanagon is it's underpowered and that poor little 48 hp
mill works itself to death pushing a big box around.  A turbo makes all
the normal engine maintenence more critical, though, especially oil
changes.

Is it a TDI, or a regular turbodiesel?  VW made both.  TDIs are more
complicated and are computer controlled.  If it has a mechanical
injection
pump like a "normal" diesel, it's not a TDI.  The TDI brings more power
and more sophistication but with it comes more difficult maintenence and
more expensive parts.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon