I have an 88 Westy that I drive at 65 ish.  It has 120,000 on a rebuilt
engine for a total of 233,000.  I use zero oil between 3000 mile changes.
I believe that 1 qt (litre) for 1200-1400m is fine, 'tho.

Geoff Thomas

-----Original Message-----
From: -- Dan Roberts [mailto:DanielCRoberts@AOL.COM]
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 11:50 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: [VANAGON] 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.