I would not use 5w-30 in the Vanagon engine except for extremely cold
weather. The oil pump and bearing clearances will not maintain good oil
pressure at high temps. I use the Mobil-1, 15w-50 here in New York, all year
round.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Gilles Gallant <ggallant@RDS.CA>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Wednesday, March 24, 1999 6:04 PM
Subject: Synthetic oil

Hi,

  I am seriously thinking of changing my ordinary castrol 20w50 oil for the
Amsoil 5w30 synthetic oil.  Because I am not sure of the impact of this
(except the $$$ one) I would like to have some feedback from the list about
that.
  -Should I use synthetic (I don't care to pay some more money if it is
better for the engine.)
  -If I use the synthetic oil should I use the 5w30 or another grade?
  -Should I take some precautions prior to change it or to run the engine
after the change.
  -Should I flush the engine with some special liquid before put synthetic
oil.
  -May I use ordinary oil with synthetic one?

  P.S.  My first language is frencg so, sorry for the english language
mistakes.

  Thanks,

  Gilles Gallant
  1990 Westfalia
  Montreal, Quebec