Mobil 1, 15w-50 is the choice for most of the year. 7,500 mile change
intervals are more than sufficient as confirmed by oil analysis. If
temperatures are to be near 10 or lower, the European formula 0w-40
works well or now there is the extreme formula available in 10w-40. The
5w-40 is only available as the Delvac or SUV formulae. Although the
synthetic has the gasoline engine ratings, these oils are designed for
Diesels. As such they have additives the gas engine does not need and
the catalytic converter does not like. There is no need to do any
special engine flushes as the synthetics are compatible with
conventional oils. 

Dennis 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of robertmstewart
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 1:43 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Synthetic Oil Conversion, What is the best Easy Access Brand,
and Viscosity?

I know you have heard this before, but I have to ask. I reviewed the
archives and could not find a straight answer.

I have an 88 Vanagon Wolfsburg. It has 211,000 miles on it with a
rebuilt
engine and transmission roughly 35,000 miles ago.

The past owner was running 5W/40 oil in Buffalo NY, I believe he said it
was
Mobil 1, not sure. 

The van is now in Long Beach, NY which is considerably warmer, the
coldest
it�s been has been around 18 degrees.

I am wondering a couple of things...

1. What is the Best easily available synthetic oils, Mobil 1? i.e. Easy
access across the country or long drives...
2. What is the suggested viscosity for winter, and hot summer?

I have read in the archives several suggested oil weights:
5W/40
5W50 synthetic
Mobil1  15-50

So please help with some guidance.

Thanks, 

-- 
Rob
NYC/Long Beach, NY
88 Wolfsburg, Silver