Listees
Thanks so much to those who came to my rescue with their solution. Many
were repeats of the same info (thats good..consistant info!) and some
were unique.
I offer a different perspective from a writer from the website
westfalia.org. I present it only as a different look at the problem I
asked about.
Thanks again
Darryl

"Synthetic oil has nothing to do with lifter bleed-down. If anything, it
may contribute to it since most synthetics are a slightly lighter base
weight.

Additives that increase viscosity can reduce bleed-down, but they come
with the same undesireable side-effects of changing viscosity to one too
heavy for the intended use.

Proper oil and changes have more than enough detergents and anti-gumming
additives. There are no magic mechanics in a bottle -- every additive
has plus & minuses. VW cautions they are not needed or desireable.
Proper viscosity is the most important characteristic -- the thinner the
base, the more likely to bleed down, so a 10W30 is more likely to
experience lifter bleed-down than say a 15W-40, one of the best
viscosity choices for the Vanagon in most locales.

That you have bleed down after a 2-week idle period is not unusual, and
in fact, expected. It can occur in very new cars. It, in itself, is not
a sign of pending hydrualic lifter failure. Did it pump back up after a
few miles with the engine warm and stay pumped up over idle periods of a
few days? If it did, you don't have a problem.

There are a number of 'engine flushes' on the market. Most are a waste.
The modern premium oils have such a high level of detergent, they
perform much the same effect. In fact, if the engine has been abused by
infrequent oil changes, too strong & sudden a flush might break some
deposit loose that blocks an oil passage.

The recommendation for a factory OE or OEM filter is also discussed with
the oil topics. Besides quality, you are seeking the correct
high-pressure relief valve in the filter to prevent engine damage in
case of an obstruction. Cheap aftermarket filters may not have correct
relief settings, if they even have the valve at all. Mahle (bought out
Knecht) and Mann are good OEM brands. Mann (German company) has a plant
in the US and was VW's supplier for the N. American market, if not
still."