Yes, engine loading will effect oil and engine life. However there are so
many variables. An oil analysis program is the only way to maximize oil
life. In industry we use various techniques to maximize the life of
lubricants and equipment. We often refer to these approaches as "predictive"
as compared to "preventive" maintenance.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Harry Hoffman
Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 8:58 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: oil change interval for non-wbx setups

Hi All,

So, Dennis and I were having a interesting chat at Blue Rocks about
different power plants and when to change oil.

He suggested, and please correct me if I'm wrong Dennis, that oil change
should be based on a few different criteria: miles driven, gas consumed,
time since last change, and effort needed for the engine to move the
vehicle.

The last had me thinking about it since our conversation. My oil is always
super dirty at the 3k point. I'm running a bostig setup and hadn't really
thought about the reasons why until we talked. Since the engine needs to
operate at a higher rpm range there's a greater level of heat generate and
more "effort" required then say if that zetec was still in a focus.

Are other people changing their oil at a earlier interval? Has anyone done a
comparison to the amount of money spent on oil (the bostig folks recommend
full synthetic) if you are changing it more frequently vs the cost of
letting it go longer and replacing the engine?

Also, blue rocks was our inaugural campout. The wife, myself, and our two
little girls (ages 3 and 1). The rain was a bummer but overall it was very
successful.

Looking forward to many years of it until they no longer want to hang out
with dad, lol.

Cheers,
Harry