I'm wondering that too.  Thats why I asked the original question.  My wife and I will be doing fairly short camping trips so I estimate we will drive one oil change a year if we use Mobile 1.  Even though it is more expensive one oil change a year is not so bad overall.  On the other hand if the Castrol 20W50 is better as far as engine longevity I would switch.  I guess that is my question.  Which is better for engine longevity or are  they both the same.  

Jim
Urbana, MD
85 Westy

On May 27, 2013, at 12:58 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Not to start a war but except for cost why do you think the Castrol is
> better than Mobil 1?
> 
> Dennis
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> James Felder
> Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 5:59 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Engine Oil Question
> 
> A gasser Vanagon should be using Castrol 20w50.
> 
> Jim
> 
> On May 26, 2013, at 4:40 PM, walkingboss <walkingboss@COMMUNICOMM.COM>
> wrote:
> 
>> Hi Jim,
>> 
>>  Most people don't  advise changing brands/types, or weights, etc of oil.
>> I for one don't see a problem changing, Use the right weight for your
>> climate, maybe changing weights from summer to winter if your area has
>> a big seasonal swing. So would I change, yes I would change. Simple
>> because of the cost factor! Also synthetic oils are thinner and will
>> find a way to leak where as dyno-oils have a better chance of staying
>> put. Again this is just my opinion, take it with a grain of salt!
>>  You know this is going to start a major flame war! So just do the
>> leg work and make up your own mind
>> 
>> Howard
>> 
>> Subject: [VANAGON] Engine Oil Question
>> 
>> 
>>> My 85 Westy came with Mobil 1 in it.  Should I stay with Mobil 1?  is
>>> this overkill?  Are there better alternatives?