Dan, my new engine, WBX 2.1L, at 40,000 miles, was, like yours, using a
little oil. In my expe rience with VW's, I had expected this, and
thought nothing much of it. Arouind the 40,000 mile mark I switched to
Mobil 1 synthetic 15W50.  I got a nice improvement on that oil
consumption. It seems the WBX's take very kindly to being treated with
the synthetics for some reason. I plan to stick with it. I also run
Redline MT 90 in my manual tranny too.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver - Mobil 1- 15W50 Synthetic, Mahle Filter, Redline MT 90,
Redline Water Wetter, Texaco Havoline Orange Bio-degradable no-phosphate
Dex-Cool, 4-Michelin XCA -205-75R14 - 8Ply - Load Range "D"

-- Dan Roberts wrote:

>I purchased an 89 Vangagon Westfalia in the spring of 2003 and, on the
>recommendation of a VW mechanic, had the head gaskets and rings replaced. He also
>completed several other engine repairs including replacing the wiring harness,
>plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, water pump and fuel pump. This vehicle
>has been driven 140,000 miles. I believe the previous owner gave it reasonably
>good care but was not nearly as conscientious as I am.
>
>My question is about oil usage. I have driven to the east and west coast on
>the interstate from Wisconsin. I drive at 70 mph and find that this vehicle
>uses a quart of oil every 1200 to 1400 miles. Is this normal use? By the way, I
>had a compression test completed and it showed: 125 - 140 - 120 - 140. The VW
>dealership insists the oil use is normal but I ask for your experience. Any
>comments will be appreciated.
>
>
>