Actually, Patti, Vanagons do better when the oil is between the Min and
Max marks.  Even when I change the oil I only put enough fresh oil in to
register about half way between them.  When at the Max mark (and
certainly when over the mark) the oil tends to froth a bit.

As to changing oil, there are some oil filters to avoid.  I always use a
Mann or Mahle filter.  I replace the drain plug crush washer every time
I remove the drain plug.  They are single use items.  If reused, the
tendency is to overtighten the plug so as to prevent oil leaks and the
threads in the case can be stripped.  My FLAPS doesn't carry the right
size washers so I order a bunch of them at a time from places like
BusDepot or Vanagain at the same time as I order filters.

Many folks don't realize that the oil fill tube telescopes out a few
inches.  Remove the oil cap and pull the inner section of the tube
outward until it clicks.  I still use a long skinny funnel but the fact
that the fill tube extends sure makes it easier.

All that said, changing the oil and filter is pretty much like what
you'd on any engine.  Remove drain plug and drain oil into a suitable
container.  Replace crush washer on plug.  Put fresh oil into the new
filter (about 3/4 of the way up) and screw it on.  Replace drain plug.
Put fresh oil in being careful not to over fill.

Where I am in northern Maine, I use Castrol 5W 50 oil in the winter.
The engine would never start in the minus temperatures we experience
otherwise.  I could use it year round if it were easier to get but 20W
50 is easy to get so that's what I use in warmer weather.  Another good
choice is Mobil 1 15W 50.

Mike

PB wrote:
> Another question:  are there any "quirks" about changing the oil in a
> vanagon?  My oil is about halfway between the full and add oil mark on
> the dipstick.  I'd like to change the oil and filter instead of adding
> more.  The automotive technology class at my high school does oil
> changes, so if it's simple and routine, I'll let them do it.  Of course
> I'd remove the rear cushions and tarp everything in sight!  I've had
> work done in high school classes.  The work is usually good, but there
> are often a few oil smudges where they don't belong.
> Patti
> *********************************
> On Nov 24, 2007 4:07 PM, PB <pbrattan@gmail.com
> <mailto:pbrattan@gmail.com>> wrote:
>
>     I just noticed that spoiler.  At first I thought it was part of the
>     bumper.  It looks easy to remove.  When I have a little time I'll go
>     under there with some screwdrivers and a flashlight and see how it's
>     installed.  I bet that'll solve the problem.  It hangs down a good 5
>     or 6 inches below the actual bumper.
>     Patti
>     ******************************
>
>     On Nov 24, 2007 3:29 PM, Mike Collum <collum@verizon.net
>     <mailto:collum@verizon.net> > wrote:
>
>         Patti,
>
>         Your '90 has (had?) a spoiler (sometimes called an air dam)
>         below the
>         bumper that is probably what is dragging.  You can remove that
>         spoiler
>         if that's the problem.
>
>         Mike
>
>
>