But for those of us who drive where the ambient temperature regularly reaches 100 F and upwards, we need that 50W as the second number in the multigrade.  So, a good 15W50 or 20W50.  So long as winter ambient generally stays above 0 F, you can run these year round.  I suppose I would not do that if I drove the van regularly in winter, but I have the option of leaving it in the driveway if it gets really cold (like the  - 16 F we experienced this winter, and I hope that is over for this season).

mcneely

---- Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Just for the record, I'm in complete agreement with Scott on this - 15W40
> Shell Rotella T is the shizzle!  ;)
>
> On Fri, Mar 4, 2011 at 12:28 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <
> scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
>
> > it all depends..
> > mainly on the temperature environment you operate your van in,
> > and age of the engine.
> >
> > I have used lots and lots of Chevron Delo 15W40 over the years.
> > you'll notice now it's LE - low emissions formula ..means less zinc ..
> > and therefore is more for newer roller cam follower engines, and not so
> > much
> > for flat cam follower engines like our waterboxers.
> >   I regard Delo 15W40 as 'just ordinary' ....these days, like 'ok ..but
> > nothing special.'
> >
> > I go more for Shell Rotella or similar 15W40's aimed at diesel engines ..
> > they may have zinc still.
> > ( you can also just buy zinc addtive and put it in the oil - at most any
> > FLAPS ) ..
> >
> > for a synthetic, I like Mobil 1,  15W50.
> > oh ..
> > and for sure, Royal Purple 15W40 .
> > righ now that is my favorite non-synthetic 15W40 .....I recommend it
> > highly.
> >
> > for a mild climate ...
> > and not super new engines that want 5W30 or whatever...
> > I just use 15W40 year round usually.
> >
> > Scott
> > www.turbovans.com
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Michael Sullivan" <sandwichhead@GMAIL.COM>
> > To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> > Sent: Friday, March 04, 2011 11:13 AM
> > Subject: Top 3 Oils for 2.1 Again
> >
> >
> >  I have used DELO 15/40 and I know Mobil One is good, but what are the top
> >> 3
> >> and the best weights?  20/50?  Thanks.
> >> Michael in San Antonio
> >> 91GL Weekender AT 2.1L 'Gringo'
> >>
> >
>
>
> --
> Jake
>
> 1984 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX - 'The Grey Van'
> 1986 Westy Weekender/2.5 SOHC Subie - 'Dixie'
>
> Crescent Beach, BC
>
> www.thebassspa.com
> www.crescentbeachguitar.com
> http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27

--
David McNeely