Like Scott, I've been using 15W-40 truck oil in everything for over 25 years
and its the shizzle.  I use Shell or Castrol.

I'm still using Blue coolant but Allan makes a good pitch.

A surfactant like Redline Water Wetter ( I use the locally made Hyper Lube
equivalent) can drop your coolant temps noticeably.

On Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 4:41 PM, Allan Streib <streib@cs.indiana.edu> wrote:

> 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
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
Crescent Beach, BC
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27