Aileen Boyd <aileen.boyd@GMAIL.COM> writes:

> Hi everyone, Back to re-guessing the age-old question of which oil
> and which coolant to use in my Automatic 88' Westy. We are currently
> using a Castrol 10w/30 Synthetic Blend. Is this the thickness we
> need? We've heard about using 50weight but we think this is better
> for new engines. Our engine was a bit neglected by previous owners,
> and also has 136,000 miles or so.

Use 20w50 unless it's cold.  Use Mobil-1 if you can possibly afford
it.

>  Should we go with a thicker oil? What do others with similar
> vehicles use?

I use Mobil-1 20w50.  Full synthetic will flow even in sub-zero
temperatures.

> Also, can green coolant be phosphate-free? People rant and rave
> about the great blue Volkswagen coolant. Is this truly best?

Zerex G-05 is phosphate free. This is the Mercedes-Benz formulation.
Same as what Mercedes sells with a star on the bottle.  I don't know
if it's the "best" for a Vanagon but it is phosphate free.  I think
all the green stuff has phosphate, but if you change it EVERY year (or
two at the most) it's probably OK.

>  I have also heard about Engine Ice. The van currently runs hotter
> than I would like. I would like to see it go down by 10 degrees or
> so. Does not overheat, radiator fan comes on when idling in traffic
> for long periods in hotter weather, or going up a veeeerrryyy steep
> hill (as in the Rockies) recently.  Thanks!

As long as it's not TOO hot, hotter is better.  More efficient.  If
you run it too cool you will increase engine wear and get less fuel
economy.  Sounds like your cooling system is working as it's supposed
to.

My $0.02.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL

--
1991 Vanagon GL