Recommended oil grade for high mileage engine?

[1961tbird]

I have a 1995 EVC, 5 speed manual with 201,000 miles.

I am currently using 5W40 synthetic oil.

I use a quart every 1500-2000 miles depending on conditions. While I live in Canada, I store the van in the winter. We are planning a trip to the Southern US in a few weeks.

Question: With this high mileage, should I continue to use 5W40 or would another grade be preferred?

[EVCSNOW]

Knowing that you've been really proactive in maintaining your EVC, I would say to continue using what you have. I change the fully synthetic oil religiously and no issues.

These engines seem really stout. As long as the van is maintained properly and you check your fluid levels on schedule, I don't reckon you'll have any issues.

[Abscate]

Your engine will be at the same operating temperature in the South as it is in NS. Just follow the manual, which won’t recommend a change until a constant 86F ambient or higher
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[1961tbird]

One more thing - with the higher mileage on this engine, should I be changing the oil more frequently? Of so, how many?

[volkybus]

How often do you change your oil?? I change mine every year or 3,000 miles but I use 20/50 dinos oil..Also have you changed your timing belt lately..I think you have a intruder engine and when it breaks it's all over but the engine repair job...Bill 93 weekend er (PR) & 76 Westy (Vt) good luck

[Abscate]

I use synthetic on everything water cooled I drive, 5000-7500 intervals with an occasional check by Blackstone to see how aged the oil is
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[1961tbird]

I currently use 5W40 synthetic and change every 5000 miles.

I purchased my 95 EVC almost 2 years ago. It had 178,000 miles. Within the first month, I changed the timing belt/water pump because I saw no indication in the service records this work had been done.

[volkybus]

I think your ok with your current oil changes..And I'm happy you changed the timing belt.Happy travels..Bill in PR
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[volkybus]

Has anyone ever changed the oil pan on a 5 cyl. 5 spd . Mine has a frozen drain plug bolt.. The previous owner or his garage forgot to change the drain bolt gasket (washer). I couldn't get the last two bolts on the pan so I left it and drained the oil with a pump, twice
.(it doesn't get all the oil even when I lower the pan parchally..Tips?? Hintss?? It's a year again..Time sure flys when you're having fun?? Thanks Bill in PR

[Abscate]

Bill, I bet 30 seconds with Map gas will free that sucker up.
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[jimbomitch]

[volkybus]

Update on frozen drain bolt.... It came up with a impack wrench hammered on by a real VW and truck mechanic.
I'm thinking of hiring him more often but fixing these old VW'$ is one of my hobbies..I have 2 vans and a golf Cabro & jetta & whew Thing... Man it kills me to keep them current..And by the way the oil pan on the 5 cyl has all these chambers so you never can get all the oil out so it looks black too soon, reminds me of the Titanic...anyway the clown be who changed the oil before me glued in the drained plug with JB weld or something..Good luck & happy travels...Bill in PR till warm weather hits the tundra (Vt)

[Abscate]

Tundras getting nice right now! Time to head North!
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