A little more info on your engine (miles, upgrades/changes, recent work) would be helpful.  Not quite sure what you mean about vibratory motion.  What is that?  Engine itself or accessories?  Alternator moving or are you talking about armature movement?
Dave B.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Todd <beeceetee@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Tue, Jun 2, 2020 3:19 pm

I see GoWesty is recommending 10/60 weight - synthetic.  As it happens, I
recently went to purchase oil and a filter at a local auto parts store to
complete a pre-summer oil change  - as the van has sat over the winter and
I am about to take it out of hibernation.  I usually run 10/40 or 15/40 in
the warmer months and 10/30 in the winter (back when I used to drive it
then).  The sales clerk also suggested I try 10/160 so I bought 5 litres,
but have yet to change it as I thought I'd get a little feed-back from the
list without causing too long of an oil thread.  Worst case, I'll take the
oil back.

As well - I have been meaning to ask about alternator play or vibration.  I
am curious if other 2.1 Vanagons typically have noticeable vibratory
movement from the motor which is passed along to the alternator?  There
have been a number of mechanics over time that have peered in the engine
bay while the motor has idled and have never mentioned a problem.  Just
curious to see if this is a standard fare?

Thanks,

Bruce

86 Westy Syncro