Yes, running these machines in really hot climes requires that higher
number oil. Down here in the Deep South that heat in summer is a
problem. I have been running Mobil 1 15W50 for several years but as of
late it has gotten hard to come by. First Walmart stopped carrying it,
and now it has gotten really "iffy" at the FLAPS in the area - plus the
price has gone up quite a bit. Four quarts is now like $32 plus bucks!!
But the difficult-to-find routine is the capper. I started considering a
change to another oil type/brand for my next oil change shortly and this
discussion is therefore fortuitous for me.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 3/4/2011 4:03 PM, Dave Mcneely wrote:
> 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
>
>