After putting 2,000 miles on my new engine (1600cc Type 1 Beetle), I switched from Castrol petroleum to Amsoil 10-30 synthetic.
Prior to this switch last week, my engine used no oil. I put a little under
200 miles on the engine at normal highway speeds with the Amsoil, and used 1/2 pint. Any thoughts or theories on why, and is this likely to continue, or is it possibly a temporary "adjustment" to the new oil?What weight was the Castrol? If it was thicker than 10W-30 this may be why.
I think that its normal for a new engine to use some oil during break-in though.
Randall Br> After putting 2,000 miles on my new engine (1600cc Type 1 Beetle), I
The Castrol used for break-in (to 300 mi.) was straight 30W. After that, Castrol 20W 50.
Well, half a pint is hard to measure. If you were parked at a slight incline either way, the stick may read half a pint off. Too, I think that 10W30 is too thin for a VW engine unless you are in a colder climate. I use straight 30 weight, but I live in GA, and I've never had any problems with my engines.
So many factors...just keep an eye on it and if it gets to where its a quart (lower mark on dipstick) then that will be much more noticeable, or at least half a quart.
Randall Br> The Castrol used for break-in (to 300 mi.) was straight 30W. After that,
Synthetic oil in a beetle? Are you sure the oil seals are compatible with synthetic, if not they will leak. I use 15/40 mineral oil from VW, it's cheap and has much higher rating than the oil that was put in it in 1969! Work great. In my transmission I have semi-sythetic 75/90 to help it in the mornings, very good for old gearbox's - all IMO of course.
--Steve
Actually, I must have been at a slight, imperceptible angle, because I checked it again at the filling station, and it was at exactly the "full" level. False alarm.
That's a good point about the seals. I don't know if my new engine was designed for synoil. I'll look into it.
Last year Hot VW's had a very good article on seals and synthtics. No problems.
href="
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.