Beetle Oil Change Interval - Help Please!

Sleepy Joe · 2004-09-13T19:46:56+00:00

Beetle Oil Change IntervalMy engine specs:1600cc Dual Port Type I in a ?73 Beetle34PICT3 Carb (non smog)SVDA distributor with Pertronix and C.D.I.Bypass oil filter mount (replaces oil cooler flange)Stock exhaust and heater boxesHi All! I have been told for years and have read in auto manuals to changethe oil every 3 months or every 3000 miles. You know, "Pay me a littlenow, or a lot more later."Later on they started saying change it every 5 months or every 5000miles for light duty service.John C. of recommended that I change my Beetle's oil atleast every 1000 miles since it does not have a full flow filter. I have nearly always tried to change the oil at least every 850miles to 1150 miles.But here's my question, I only drive my ?73 Beetle about 350 miles every 3 months. Should Icontinue to change the oil every 3 months or could I wait longer? I was thinking of changing it every 4 months provided that I am usingthe right weight oil for the ambient temperature. I use 30HD Castrol for hot weather,20W 50 or 10W 40 for moderate weather,and 10W 30 for cold weather. I am concerned about sludge build up and acid formation in the oil. I was also thinking of using one quart of synthetic oil and 1.5quarts of conventional oil. I thought the 1 quart of synthetic oilwould be a good additive, and help with start ups. The one quartsynthetic would only be used during moderate or cold weather 85degrees F or under. Would the 1.5 quarts of conventional oil still help cool the heads?Thanks!Any help is appreciated!