TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Mar 05, 2005 9:10 pm

Hi all,
I am curious to see what oil weight and why everyone is using. I own an '87 GL. I have seen completely opposite opinions in other places on the web, and from good shops. One place says 10-40 through breakin (10k) on a new engine, then switch to 20-50. Another place says the exact opposite. Another still swears by 10-40 all the time, due to less drag and a bit better mpg. And yet another says either or, that it wouldn't really matter in our northwest climate.

Mine had 10-40 in it, but I changed to 20-50, and thought it ran a bit quieter. But did notice a slight drop in mpg.

I just want to run what's best. So....lets hear some opinions. That ought to keep things pretty confused :?

Sun Mar 06, 2005 6:37 am

I have been using Mobil 1 full synthetic oil in all my cars for about 7 years. This includes water cooled to aircooled. On my beetle I use 0W40 or 10W30 when I can not find 0W40. On my water cooled cars I use 5W30 (4 cyl, 6 cyl, or V8) except on the Audi TT in which I used 0W30.

Normally on a water cooled I do not use above 10W30 unless I start to burn some oil. I am sure there will be plenty of differing opinions but that is my $0.02 worth. Good luck.

Sun Mar 06, 2005 6:56 am

I also use Mobil 1 in everything. 5-30 in the Subaru Outback, 10-30 in the Jeep Comanche, and 15-50 in the AC Westy bus.

I still change the oil and the filters every 5,000 miles. Never had any problems.

Sun Mar 06, 2005 7:30 am

Use synthetic, if not, use a good brand of 20/50. Those waterboxers run hot. They need that extra punch of good motor oil. Our big motor diesels run Delo synthetic. When they crack 800K we have an in frame.

Walmarts housebrands are Quaker State. The thinner oils are fine for cold weather, but when you get above 30 degrees, and once the engine warms up you really need 20/50 or 10w40 motor oils to keep the bottom end from damage. That nasty oil light that flashes on on high mile engines is the end results of high clearance and worn mains.

Sun Mar 06, 2005 7:57 am

I run a 20/50 synthetic blend, except in the winter. The sub zero starts require 10/40, also using a synthetic blend.

As far as the break in goes, I would guess that the heavier weight would protect the bottom end better. I don't see why a heavier weight would be a problem, especially with fresh seals.