I have run 20W50 during the summer periodically as well - but used to run
it more frequently in my air cooled buses.

OK - to answer Dave's questions - the motor is the stock unit with 312,000
km - or about 195,000 miles on it.  The heads have been replaced twice.
Not much in modifications other than a stainless steel exhaust system.
Most coolant hoses have been replaced and I have replaced all fuel lines
twice since I've had it.  Doesn't leak or go through too much oil or seem
to have any oil pressure issues.  I usually run Castrol GTX 10-40
(non-synthetic) with a Mann or Mahle filter.  I don't have air conditioning
and we usually take the van camping - filling it with about 375 lbs of
people in addition to camping gear and food.

We typically travel around the Pacific Northwest - lots of mountain ranges
and moderate to warmer temperatures but not too much humidity.  I tend to
drive side roads / secondary highways - approximately 50 to 65 MPH  (3200
to 3600 RPM is usually my target) and a steady 65 on main highways /
interstates.

Bruce

On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 12:43 PM ddbjorkman@verizon.net <
ddbjorkman@verizon.net> wrote:

> 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
>