That's the one.

Mike

PB wrote:
> Would this be the drain plug crush washer?
> http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=N0138492
> If not, do you have the part number for either Bus Depot or Vanagain?
> I'm about to put in an order.
> Patti
> ********************
>
> On Nov 24, 2007 4:40 PM, Mike Collum <collum@verizon.net
> <mailto:collum@verizon.net>> wrote:
>
>     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>
>      > <mailto: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>
>      >     <mailto: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
>      >
>      >
>      >
>
>