My beetle TDI specifies full synthetic 5-40 to be changed every 5,000 miles--problem is I'm having difficulty finding 5-40.  Can I use 15-40 or some other grade of synthetic?  Can't get a straight answer from VW mechanics at my local dealer.  

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of David Brodbeck
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 6:10 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: TDI or not?

On Wed, 21 Jan 2004, zolo wrote:

> If I get a Vanagon with a turbo diesel, would it be having more trouble
> than if I bought a diesel without turbo?

It probably depends a lot on how well the conversion was done and how it's
been treated since.  It could be a great van, if the conversion was done
well and the engine has been well cared for.  The biggest problem with the
regular diesel Vanagon is it's underpowered and that poor little 48 hp
mill works itself to death pushing a big box around.  A turbo makes all
the normal engine maintenence more critical, though, especially oil
changes.

Is it a TDI, or a regular turbodiesel?  VW made both.  TDIs are more
complicated and are computer controlled.  If it has a mechanical injection
pump like a "normal" diesel, it's not a TDI.  The TDI brings more power
and more sophistication but with it comes more difficult maintenence and
more expensive parts.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon