Oil Recommendation

My daughter has a 1999 New Beetle. It is time for an oil change. What is recommended for this vehicle in temperatures from 70-104 degrees F?

San Angelo, Texas

Reply to
Bob
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I'd probably pick something like Rotella synthetic or Delvac 1, but check and make sure that they meet the appropriate VW spec first.

good luck,

nate

Reply to
Nate Nagel

In the summer heat of Texas you may need a heavier oil. I use 20W50 in my old VW Cabbie (1988), but check with your VW dealership for specifics.

Reply to
Papa

What I am trying to find out is what weight I need for 100 degree temps. A brand would be nice too. I have no VW dealers near by. I will have to call long distance to a dealer to get this information, but I thought I'd throw it out here tonight.

Reply to
Bob

You open the owner's manual and it will tell you want it needs. Remember that although it is 100º outside, your engine's temperature is controlled by the thermostat and the cooling system. Once it is up to operating temperature it may be 190º it will be that same temperature when it is 20º or 100º outside.

Reply to
Joseph Meehan

I looked in the manual, but all it says is to adjust to current conditions and climate. It doesn't give me any recommendations for the weight.

Reply to
Bob

It should have a VW spec number like 502.00 or something like that. once you find which spec is recommended for your car do a web search and see what oils meet that spec.

good luck

nate

Reply to
Nate Nagel

Reply to
none2u

You have 2 primary concerns. One being the air temperature after the engine has been off overnight as an example. The other is air temperature, engine demand, towing. stop/go driving, and hilly terrain after the engine has run for awhile.

The radiator cools the coolant, the coolant cools the engine block and head. The oil pan, engine block and head cool the oil. Engine coolant does NOT directly cool the engine oil. Since the cooling is indirect from engine coolant to the oil, the second part of the equation mentioned above is a factor.

Reply to
Jonny

WRONG, "Engine coolant does NOT directly cool the engine oil."... engine has an oil cooler!

Reply to
Lost In Space/Woodchuck

Use synthetic, but if I lived there I would use 15w-40. If it's a TDI then make sure you use the VW spec. I use nothing but synthetic oils in all my cars... it's just so much better for added protection.

Reply to
Lost In Space/Woodchuck

Some do, but not all of them. In many cases an oil cooler is an after-market device.

Reply to
Papa

here in the USA they all have coolers, that I can think of. 20.l, 1.8t,

2.8l, 1.9TDI
Reply to
Lost In Space/Woodchuck

Mine doesn't (a 1988 VW Rabbit Cabriolet Convertible with 1.8L, 8V gasoline engine).

Reply to
Papa

Oh, yes it does. Look at your oil filter, where it screws on to the engine. Guess what that thing is... Really! (Yes, I too have an 88 Cabbie 1.8/8V, and yes it has the cooler).

Reply to
PeterD

Not on mine. The oil cooler you are describing, and as shown in the Bentley manuals, mounts between the round oil filter flange and the oil filter. My oil filter mounts directly to the oil filter flange. There is no oil cooler.

Reply to
Papa

Someone took it off then. It does come with one from the factory. (No, mine wasn't added on later--I've owned the vehicle since new...)

Reply to
PeterD

That could very well be. I purchased the car only a year ago, and the engine had undergone an extensive overhaul, including a new head. Maybe they just left it off, as you say. Now you have me wondering about the lines that go to the oil cooler. Where, other than the oil cooler itself, do the oil lines hook up (on the engine, but where?)? Also, will an oil cooler help keep the oil pressure up on extremely hot days? Normally, the oil pressure idiot light never comes on, but today (98 degrees Fahrenheit), the idiot light flickered occasionally at idle.

Reply to
Papa

Not all engines have oil coolers, and all can't provide adequate cooling for most intensive driving and air temperature variations. This what makes the listing I made a factor in the equation. The statement "Engine coolant does NOT directly cool the engine oil." is correct in any regard including the presence of an oil cooler.

An oil cooler is basically ineffective in stop/go driving as a further example due to lack of adequate air ventilation to carry the heat off.

Reply to
Jonny

Don't think the air flow has much to do with it since the oil is cooled by the engine coolant.

Reply to
Lost In Space/Woodchuck

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