Dear Vanagon Listmates,

 I'm new to this list, and a first time Westy owner ('86) and glad to be
onboard....from the few posts I've gotten today this should be a great
learning experience.

I'm not a mechanic by any means, so I am hoping someone on this list can
recommend a good westy mechanic in the Newport, Oregon area who can tend to
my '86 Westfalia...

I just aquired my first Westy on Sunday....luckily for me it has been gone
through very extensively during the last 12 months and 10,000 miles-
completely
rebuilt engine/replaced heads, new exhaust system, brakes, cooling system,
clutch, etc...it is a good runner for sure, but occasionally the oil warning
light flickers on briefly.

It was a quart low on oil when I got home with her, and I topped her off
before heading out yesterday morning, and while it is not doing it as often
now,  it still occasionally flickers, especially when rpms are low...I
figure no big deal since it runs so great, but thought I'd ask if this is
something that should be addressed.

Another basic question is should I follow the factory rec for oil changes
every 7,500 miles, or do my usual every 3,000 mile change?

Is it vital to only use the factory german oil filters, or are the ones
installed at the neighborhood oil change places adequate?

I'm using Castro 20/50 wt oil....hope that is the best for these.

It is not leaking a drop that I can see on the driveway.

Do have the blue coolant....should I add it full strength for top offs , or
dilute 50 : 50 with distilled water?

Sorry for all the questions on my first post....thanks again, and if there
is a good westy mechanic in my area please let me know where he is!!

Looking forward to gaining good basic pointers from you all and sincere
gratitude for your sharing of pertinent vanagon info...

 Larry Occhipinti

 Newport, Oregon