Have a new-rebuilt VW 1776cc engine. Have read to use 30w, 10-40w, and 20-50w. Would appreciate suggestions from those of you with pratical experience. Thanks. Russ
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Have a new-rebuilt VW 1776cc engine. Have read to use 30w, 10-40w, and 20-50w. Would appreciate suggestions from those of you with pratical experience. Thanks. Russ
Russ,
This topic comes up periodically on this website and probably every other car and motorcycle site as well. You may want to browse the archives to see what has been discussed before. Personally, I started out using Castrol 30W, as John Muir recommended in his book. Last Summer, I switched to Castrol 20W50 thinking I would have better protection in the hot Southeast climate (I had moved from Chicago last Spring). With my empirical tests, I found that the engine seemed to run a few degress hotter after the switch, as measured via a dipstick thermometer. I still think I am better off having the multi-viscosity for starting. Some on this site will recommend a synthetic for its better lubricating and improved cooling characteristics. Maybe so. I ran the stuff in my Jeep Wrangler for several years (Mobil 1) and found that shortly before I sold it, it was developing a leak, and I don't mean from the oil pan. Also, Hot VWs ran a test using both mineral and synthetic oils and the results of their tests were that the various metals used in the engine oil seals caused inconsistant results with synthetic oils. Some were ok, some developed leaks. Unless you know specifically which seals are in your engine, you may have this problem. Also, synthetic oils have a penchant for escaping if the mating surfaces and gaskets are not up to snuff.
I have elected not to use synthetic oils, but recognize their superior properties. The choice is up to you. I'm certain you will hear other opinions.
John H.
2000 VS
This topic comes up periodically on this website and probably every other car and motorcycle site as well. You may want to browse the archives to see what has been discussed before. Personally, I started out using Castrol 30W, as John Muir recommended in his book. Last Summer, I switched to Castrol 20W50 thinking I would have better protection in the hot Southeast climate (I had moved from Chicago last Spring). With my empirical tests, I found that the engine seemed to run a few degress hotter after the switch, as measured via a dipstick thermometer. I still think I am better off having the multi-viscosity for starting. Some on this site will recommend a synthetic for its better lubricating and improved cooling characteristics. Maybe so. I ran the stuff in my Jeep Wrangler for several years (Mobil 1) and found that shortly before I sold it, it was developing a leak, and I don't mean from the oil pan. Also, Hot VWs ran a test using both mineral and synthetic oils and the results of their tests were that the various metals used in the engine oil seals caused inconsistant results with synthetic oils. Some were ok, some developed leaks. Unless you know specifically which seals are in your engine, you may have this problem. Also, synthetic oils have a penchant for escaping if the mating surfaces and gaskets are not up to snuff.
I have elected not to use synthetic oils, but recognize their superior properties. The choice is up to you. I'm certain you will hear other opinions.
John H.
2000 VS
It has alot to do with the tolerances of the engine....Most of my engines are built to tight tolerances for the street and can run on a 10/30wt oil with no issues at all...a loose engine (race engine in most casesw) needs a thicker oil to gain presure...
as a general rule, I swap grades of oil when the time changes,10/30 winter and 20/50 summer.
as a general rule, I swap grades of oil when the time changes,10/30 winter and 20/50 summer.
You might also want to try different synthetics, depending if you have an oil filter or not. The cost of sythetics and benefits are worthwhile when paired with adequate filtration. We've tried Torco and Royal Purple, as well as the more frequently used Mobil 1 product line, although I am going to try out Mobil's 0w40 on my next oil change. I'm currently testing RP Racing 41 (7w40) and i'm going to have the oil analyzed. I'll do the same for the Mobil 1 0w40 so we can get a side by side comparison. Should be interesting to see the outcomes nonetheless.
Charles Navarro
LN Engineering
www.LNengineering.com
Aircooled Precision Performance
Charles Navarro
LN Engineering
www.LNengineering.com
Aircooled Precision Performance
I have had good luck with Valvoline Full synthetic as well as Royal Purple....
I use Castrol 20W50 with a quart of Lucas oil additive. When changing oil I go 3 quarts Castrol, 1 quart Lucas, and 2 quarts Castrol... then let the engine idle for 10 minutes to get it mixed up good.
Ya pays yer money and ya takes yer cherce.