Correction the vehicle was an 86 vanagon.   However the westy was kept in
the garage over the
winter but I changed it's oil to the lighter weight as well and ran it for
about 1/2 hour a week during
storage.   Then drove it in the spring/summer/fall.

Steven

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 8, 2014 at 9:06 AM
Subject: Re: What is the recommended oil weight for northeast winter?
To: vanlist <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>

When we lived out there for a period of 3 years I annually switched to
10w-30 weight from ~ mid October to mid March and had no problems.   Back
to 20w-50 weight during the warmer months.   If I was late to change to the
lighter weight I would put a portable heater/fan in a cardboard box under
the engine in the morning and run it for about 5 - 10 minutes to get it
warmed up and it started fine.   While at work on the same day I'd come out
and run the van for a bit after about 4 hours to keep it warm so I wouldn't
have a problem starting it going home and changed the oil to the lighter
weight at home.    This was on a 91 westy.   Lowest temp experienced there
was around -10 F

Steven

On Wed, Jan 8, 2014 at 2:38 AM, Bob Anderson
<ROBERTANDERSON294@comcast.net>wrote:

> The temps here in Massachusetts have been dipping down to single digits at
> night and I'm wondering if maybe I should change out the 20/50 oil I have
> in my 2.1 Wbxr? And, if so, what would be the recommended winter oil weight?
> Thanks,
> Bob A
> '86 GL
>