Not a stupid question at all. And all of this has been good, worthwhile
discussion. I would guess that oil keeps water away from engine metals. Of
that it seems to do a very good job. I once read an article about the
restoration of a 1917 car that had sat in an English field when it quit
running. Some kids had poured paint into the intake as vandalism, an act
that allowed the engine to be restored to running condition in the 1960s.

Jim

On Sun, Oct 10, 2021 at 4:45 PM Gene P <olgreywoof@gmail.com> wrote:

> Stupid questions department –
>
> So I’ve enjoyed this whole thread about acidity and all.  As someone said,
> not sure how it applies to my situation exactly, but it’s been another
> reminder of how many things I don’t know.
>
> Basic question – if the van is being “stored”, that is, not run, why would
> it need to have oil in it?  Stated another way, what beneficial role does
> oil play while it’s sitting in the pan, not being circulated?
>
> From: Jack R
> Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2021 2:22 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Any advise on timing of an oil change before or after
> winterstorage
>
> Thank you everyone!!!
>
> So, basically, put the cheap, any grade, oil in the winter... get rid of
> whatever you have laying around (don't change the filter?!? Or get rid of
> your "crappy FRAM oil filter" that you purchased before you knew better...
> for the winter storage only),
>
> and when spring hits, DON'T FORGET to change things before you drive it,
> and put in the good stuff and a fresh "Mann" filter!
>