What I'm saying is that both Golfs spun  fine with 15W40 oil at -20 degrees
C.

Main bearings don't 'clack',  they pound in a really low-frequency way.  It
almost sounds like you're describing a bad rod bearing...can you induce it
by unloading the rod?

Jake

On Mon, Nov 1, 2010 at 2:58 PM, neil n <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:

> Right on Jake. I should look into the larger capacity filter. Thanks.
>
> Am just south of Lincoln City OR. All good (except weather) but have
> to wonder if the subtle intermittent low pitched clack is a main
> bearing or related due to using 10w/30. This only happens after a hard
> run up long hills, hotter weather.
>
> The starter wiring is fine. It spins real good with the thinner oil.
> Only spun slower when dead cold w/15w40.
>
> NEil.
>
> On 10/31/10, Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com> wrote:
> > 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
> >
>
>
> --
> 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