it's very well known that one would never use a synthetic for new or rebuilt
engine break in oil.
That's been common knowledge for many decades.

They even used to say not to use a detergent oil during the break-in
period - usually 1,000 miles for rebuilt engines.
I have broken in many rebuilt engines on 30 or 40W non-detergent oil.
Or.......since that stuff is hardly around any more.......
the common break-in oil these days.......or what I use any way...........30W
Heavy Duty.

Main point is don't use anything too fancy  !

Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Allan Streib" <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 6:24 PM
Subject: Re: What type of oil for my 2.1 Boston Bob? Was Re: Mobil-1
shortage

> mikes@flatsurface.com (Mike S) writes:
>
>>> Synthetic is actully not a great break-in oil.  This is why VW and
>>> other makers who ordinarily require synthetic in their new engines
>>> have a requirement to NOT change the oil during the initial break-in
>>> period, because they have a special break-in oil filled from the
>>> factory.
>>
>> Cite, please. Preferably, a link to a VW tech bulletin or other
>> official document backing that up.
>
> I don't have any access to factory TSBs but here's one site:
>
>  http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/1108/faq.oilchange.html
>
> To quote:
>
>  1. VW-Audi uses a special "15W-40 factory fill oil" that you can NOT
>     purchase. It is NOT the same as over-the-counter oils and has
>     special break-in additives. I have confirmed this personally
>     face-to-face with the lubricant engineer and lab technician at VW's
>     Salzgitter, Germany engine assembly plant in both June/November of
>     '96.
>
>  2. VW-Audi changed the FIRST OIL CHANGE drain interval from model year
>     (MY) '95 to MY '96 from 5,000 miles to 7,500 miles because some
>     customers were experiencing delayed piston ring seating due to
>     DRAINING the "factory fill oil" BEFORE the 5,000 mile MANDATE of
>     the Owner's Manual. The '96 Passat Owners manual I have,
>     P.N. 962.551.3A0.21 7/95, on page 128 CLEARLY emphasizes the FIRST
>     OIL CHANGE MUST BE PERFORMED AFTER 7,500 miles. The wording has
>     been analysed to the nth degree in the VW newsgroups and mail list,
>     and no matter how anyone argues, they are unable to escape the
>     reality that VW does NOT want you to drain the "factory fill oil"
>     before 7,500 miles.
>
> I've also read about point (2) in other places, though I cannot recall
> where specifically.  Granted this is not specific to WBX motors but I
> would think that synthetic might not be the BEST choice for a REBUILT
> WBX.  We're not talking about a factory new Mercedes here....
>
> But if you don't believe any of this, by all means do what you want with
> YOUR motor.
>
> Allan
> --
> 1991 Vanagon GL