Hey Neil, maybe you should check your starter wiring.  I used to run 15W40
in the 1987 (486,000 km!) and then the 1990 Golf all year round here with no
problems.

I used to use the Bosch filters, then the Mann - always in the diesel size
for the extra capacity.

Jake

On Sun, Oct 31, 2010 at 2:04 PM, neil n <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:

> Don. FWIW, I'm using a Mahle or Mann... think it's Mann, and 10/30.
> Was using 15/40 but too thick it seems. Especially in colder months.
> (cranking engine cold)
>
> Dennis Haynes has written lots about oil and filters.    :)
>
> Neil.
>
> On 10/31/10, Don Hanson <dhanson928@gmail.com> wrote:
> >   I see the Mahle oil filter is what everyone says to use, but I have
> been
> > using Fram or whatever I can get easily.  I have always changed my oil
> more
> > frequently than most.  Until I swapped motors, only if my motor sat for a
> > few days would my lifters click on start up....now they seem to click
> every
> > time for perhaps 10 seconds or so...not so good, I imagine.  Is the Mahle
> > filter supposed to help with this...some kinda drain-back valve in it or
> > something?
> >
> >   For complete disclosure...I have an inline VW motor, gas.  Mounted as a
> > diesel at 50degrees.  I kept the same head, unchanged and undisturbed
> when I
> > recently changed over to an ABA block, which also has the newer style
> > oil/water interchange filter mounting.  Dunno if that changes anything.
> >
> >   Don Hanson
> >
>
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
>
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
>

--
Jake

1984 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX 'The Grey Van'
1986 Westy Weekender/2.5 SOHC Suby 'Dixie'

Crescent Beach, BC

www.thebassspa.com
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27