I've always used RedLine SL1. I noticed that the rec.auto.vw recommends
this as well in the FAQ. SL1 is high temperature detergent based rather
than some that are solvent based. Solvents can break down hoses. If you do
a quick search, you'll notice a lot of car groups on the net like this as
well(SAAB, BMW, RX7, Honda).

BTW, I use their synthetic transmission oil(RedLine MTL) in my SAAB. Some
SAABs are notorious for notchy shifting. My dad's lawn tractor shifted
smoother before I used MTL. RedLine MTL help quite a bit, especially in
cold weather.

-Dan

At 01:39 PM 9/14/98 -0400, you wrote:
>I just read my water-cooled Vanagon owners manual and there is a quite
>lengthy section on fuel requirements.
>Do I understand correctly that 87 octane fuel is correct for this
>vehicle?
>Also, the manual goes to great length to talk about gasoline additives
>and says that some brands are better than others in this respect, but of
>course mentions no particuler brand.
>Apparently the important factors are protection against carbon build-up
>on intake valves, and keeping the fuel injectors clean.
>Has anyone researched this subject and come up with the best brand of
>gasoline for the Vanagon?
>
>