Many 2.1L Waterboxer engines use this amount of oil or more. Mine has
since day one. It now has 215K on it. High speeds will increase the
consumption and one should take note to avoid the urge to overfill it.
The top mark is not full; it is the MAX never to exceed no matter what
level mark. For extended high speed operation, the oil temps will stay
lower with the level near the lower mark. My testing has shown that when
operating the engine above 4,000 rpm, the mid point is still too high,
even with an external oil cooler set up.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of -- Dan Roberts
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 11:50 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 89 Vanagon oil usage question

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.