Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> writes:

> As a sudden failure, the oil cooler gasket is my first choice and
> second would be the filter or filter gasket. Last month I had a
> Mahle filter fail at the top crimp. One thing with cold weather, you
> need to let the engine idle and rev very gently for the first few
> minutes after start up. The oil pressure relief can only handle so
> much and the excess volume has to go some where. Starting up a cold
> engine and then reving to 4,000 rpm to get the van moving is a good
> way to blow seals, damage bearings and even break off the oil pump
> shaft. Yes you can even push out the flywheel and puley seals.

Anyone know if synthetic oil would help here?  Mobil-1, even the
"heavy" 15W-50 formulation, flows much better at cold temperatures
than conventional oil.  Should flow better with less backpressure even
when cold.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL