The owner's manual with my 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile, 2.1 L
original, standard 4-speed, not a Synchro, specifies 20W50 oil for a very
wide temperature range, but straight 40W at the highest ambient temps, and
allows a thinner oil (I don't remember right now, maybe as light as
straight 10W) for extreme winter conditions, for what that's worth.  I
realize that oils have changed, and so far as synthetic, I don't think
there is a 20W50.  I have Chris Corkin's oil cooler, and I have typically
run the 20W50, given that's by the book.  But right now I have 15W50 Mobil
1 in the beast.  Getting ready to change, just because I don't like to
leave oil in over a year, even if it's not run that many miles.  mcneely

On Tue, Jun 2, 2020 at 12:19 PM Bruce Todd <beeceetee@gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
>