Hey Michael! You are SO right! And you are double-right as it was perfect for "No Spills" from my personal experience! Do you have one? Bless you if you do! LOL There are some VW people in So. Cal. that would pay a pretty penny for one of those! Happy Fahrvergnügen! - Bruce
Exactly as I was taught!👍 I have a 1967 Karmann Ghia that I restored back in the mid 90’s. I was told by a veteran VW mechanic years before that to always use Castrol SAE 40 for the warmer months and 30 for the winter. I lived in Las Vegas at that time. When I rebuilt my stock 1500cc the only thing I changed was converting to a later doghouse shroud, offset oil cooler and a larger fan. I ran that car all year long as a daily driver and it never overheated - even in the 100+ temp days of summer. Great advice and great video - cheers!
Hey, Artie! That's so cool! You mention a veteran VW mechanic, yeah, us old VW veterans are hard to come by. It is good to hear what straight weight motor oil can do! Thanks for sharing! Happy Fahrvergnügen, Bruce!
Hey, C.J.! Glad we can help! Bruce replied to your question in the Comment section of this video here -- ruclips.net/video/jDjVYVYxZkQ/видео.html . Thank you for asking about Bruce! He is on the mend from the accident and is ready to get back into the VW scene! Happy Fahrvergnügen!
Thank you! Great information! My buddy had a 74 Karmann Ghia. You must listen and feel the car. If you pay attention, she will let you know if she needs something
Ivor, you have been blessed with VW essence! I would venture to guess you could sit in a classic VW for a few mintues and it would tell you its whole story without moving an inch. Much like VW author guru, John Muir :-D Happy Fahrvergnügen! -- Bruce
Great video! Just back in the VW scene with my fresh 1965 beetle find. I should have her on the road, looking solid by this coming weekend. Oh yeah, also restoring my 1957 oval as I type this ☺️
I've been using SAE 15W-40 Amsoil diesel blend for years...Let's just say that I have an "unlimited" supply...There have been no issues with any of my aircooled VWs...This works for me.
Great idea, Andrew! Especially for those Splitties!! Long ago, around the late 1970's the majors did have squeeze bottles. Anywho, Happy Fahrvergnügen!
here in florida on a day like today 97 degree ,,,you cant touch that dip stick at all ,,,,june 2019 for the record and we run a 20/50 like the harleys around here also !
bug den, Then your engine is too hot. Is your fan belt slipping? Are you running a stock pulley on the crankshaft? VW workshop manual calls for straight weight motor oil, 30 wt or 40 wt depending on how hot it is. I've run my VW engine hard when it was 100 degrees here in So Cal with no problem. I run straight Castrol 40 wt. You will not get the full service life from your engine with multi-grade oil. Trust me. When your engine has warmed up, the engine oil will still be closer to 20wt. By the time the oil reacts to the 50wt side, damage has already been done. VW states that straightt 20wt oil is to be used in Arctic climates which FL is not. VW never recommended a 50wt oil. Good luck!! Bruce
When i pull the dipstick out,..my oil level is right at the first line...but when i rotate the dipstick from left to right in the crankcase and then pull out, im right in the middle of the 2 lines. So, should i add oil or not,? And why the discrepancy in the 2 methods of pulling the dipstick... thanks for great videos bytheway!
Hi, Tomas! I personally do not add oil if the reading is in-between the 2 marks. I dip twice, sometimes three times when I am not sure. I always spin the dipstick 360 degrees as I have found it gives a better reading. Why the discrepancy in the 2 methods? I don't know.
@@VWBRUCE ok,..i dont know what im doing wrong. When u get a chance, try yourself checking your dipstick by simply pulling out the dipstick, versus, swinging 360’in case,..and you may see 2 different results.
Hello I just bought a 67 beetle it has an 1835 cc the dipstick gets really hot so does the back hood, I don’t have any gages to warn me what the temperature is, what could of be and what can I do to keep it cool, thank you 🙏 please advise.
Hey, Nikkitoo1! Sorry it took so long to respond. Here's my OverHeating Check List: 1) Check for Proper Fan Belt tightness 2) Check oil level 3) Check that you're running the correct weight motor oil (40 summer/30winter) 4) Check to see that all your Cooling Tins are in place (not missing) and there are no unplugged holes/openings, and all hoses are attached! 5) Check Engine Timing 6) Check to see if you're running a Power Pulley One of those will probably solve your over-heating problem. If not, let me know; I've got more input! Good Luck, Bruce!
Thank you for sharing this. I have a question. I'm looking at a sand rail with an 1800CC engine. I did not see an oil filter. I think this is usual. I don't have a ton of experience with this air-cooled engine. I did note an oil cooler next to the air duct. After a little research I learn (on this configuration) I will have to remove the belly pan exposing the bottom of the engine. I now have access to the oil drain. I'm tempted to remove the round plate to inspect the screen. Here is my question, Can you recommend an external spin-off modification kit? I like the idea of more oil circulating in the engine and even more airflow over the cooler. a 12-volt ducted fan kit maybe? Thank you and Cheers from Louisiana.
Hello, Rick! As you have discovered, they do not come with oil-filters, only the screen above the drain plate. As to your question, there are many After Market setups that allow for increased capacity of oil and attached filter. One company, Rapid-Cool, (HaydenAuto.com might be a good start in finding a VW Oil Cooler), is a leader in this area of VW engine modification. Good Luck!
I’ve read swivelling the dipstick round can cause a misreading because it picks up oil inside the tube, but can’t see how this is true. What I can see is that with my 67 if I put it in and don’t swivel it it seems to show half (it wicks up slightly either side) but if I swivel it it comes out as full. What’s your take? Do you always do the ‘swivel’?
Hi Thomas. Make sure you have the correct dipstick for your engine size. A dipstick from a 1200 will not give a true reading in a 1600. Also, let the dipstick sit for a few seconds before taking it back out to confirm a readings. 2 1/2 qts of oil will bring the reading to the top mark. Perhaps don't swivel it at all & see what kind of readings you get. Happy Fahrvergnugen.
Hi David, sorry it took so long for a Reply. I would say your oil cooler seals have had it! However, you can pull your oil pressure relief valve and clean it. Then check if your oil cooler continues to leak. My experience is, the oil cooler seals will need replacing. Hope this helps! Happy Fahrvergnügen! - Bruce
Bruce says, "Mauricio, I live by the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" motto and it appears you are happy with the results of your multi-grade racing oil. I commend you! As for me, I am old school. I run straight Castrol 30W in the winter and straight Castrol 40W in the summer in my stock engines. Castrol was developed specifically for small high reving engines. Here in So. Cal. that has worked for me for over 50 years! Happy Fahrvergnügen!
tambrateer Hello Bruce I just bought a bug from California and brought it to Florida it has an 1835 cc it gets really hot here all year around what should I use? An experienced mechanic from Cali said to use 10w 40 I’m very confused, please give me your humble opinion thank you. William
Bruce says, "Hi JoAnne! Might I suggest contacting Wolfsburg West in CA ( www.wolfsburgwest.com ) . That is where I get my paper hoses. They are your best bet for paper hoses. Happy Fahrvergnügen!
Bruce says, "David! Hope your relocation was cool! Do not run multiweight for your area. I would say above 80degrees 40w, below 30w = 40w in the summer, 30w in the winter. That is my 2 cents. Happy Fahrvergnügen!"
Hi. Great video. Whats ur opinion on 10/40 synthetic my castrol.? I have a 72 ghia...and the web many guys say diff things,...jus trying to get a clear answer...thanks
Our apologies for the delayed response, Tomas! Thank you for watching. Bruce never uses synthetic. VW factory specs a straight weight motor oil. In hot climates 40w, in warm climates 30w, in cold climates 10w, and in arctic climates 5w. Bruce has always used mostly 40w, and 30w in So Cal winter and his motors have always lasted a minimum of 100,000 miles. Happy Fahrvergnügen!
Right on thank you. Straight 40 will also work for a 1915cc with and oil sump and external oil cooler also here in sunny Cali 818 thank you.
Bruce is glad he's helped! Happy Farhvergnugen!!
In the old days oil came in cans and there was a tool you put in to pour. For VW';s this was a great tool. No spillage.
Hey Michael! You are SO right! And you are double-right as it was perfect for "No Spills" from my personal experience! Do you have one? Bless you if you do! LOL There are some VW people in So. Cal. that would pay a pretty penny for one of those! Happy Fahrvergnügen! - Bruce
Exactly as I was taught!👍
I have a 1967 Karmann Ghia that I restored back in the mid 90’s. I was told by a veteran VW mechanic years before that to always use Castrol SAE 40 for the warmer months and 30 for the winter. I lived in Las Vegas at that time. When I rebuilt my stock 1500cc the only thing I changed was converting to a later doghouse shroud, offset oil cooler and a larger fan. I ran that car all year long as a daily driver and it never overheated - even in the 100+ temp days of summer. Great advice and great video - cheers!
Hey, Artie! That's so cool! You mention a veteran VW mechanic, yeah, us old VW veterans are hard to come by. It is good to hear what straight weight motor oil can do! Thanks for sharing! Happy Fahrvergnügen, Bruce!
Great info.
Thank you Mr. Bruce !!
You bet!
This was very Helpful and just was curious if Bruce was still around...his video's really help me out. Thanks much!!!
Hey, C.J.! Glad we can help! Bruce replied to your question in the Comment section of this video here -- ruclips.net/video/jDjVYVYxZkQ/видео.html . Thank you for asking about Bruce! He is on the mend from the accident and is ready to get back into the VW scene! Happy Fahrvergnügen!
thank you Bruce!
You bet!
Thank you! Great information! My buddy had a 74 Karmann Ghia. You must listen and feel the car. If you pay attention, she will let you know if she needs something
Ivor, you have been blessed with VW essence! I would venture to guess you could sit in a classic VW for a few mintues and it would tell you its whole story without moving an inch. Much like VW author guru, John Muir :-D Happy Fahrvergnügen! -- Bruce
Great video! Just back in the VW scene with my fresh 1965 beetle find. I should have her on the road, looking solid by this coming weekend. Oh yeah, also restoring my 1957 oval as I type this ☺️
Thank you for your comment! Your projects sound awesome, Red Pill Wisdom! I'd be interested in seeing photos of your 1957. Happy Fahrvergnügen!
Thanks!
You bet! Happy Fahrvergnügen! - Bruce
Great video! I just got a 65 beetle.
Good choice, good year! Happy Fahrvergnügen! - Bruce
Thank you maestro!
You bet! Happy Fahrvergnügen! - Bruce
When we get our VW Bus, we'll be giving you a call Mr. Bruce!
Bruce says, "We'll be here for your call, Fuzzy Butt Central!"
I've been using SAE 15W-40 Amsoil diesel blend for years...Let's just say that I have an "unlimited" supply...There have been no issues with any of my aircooled VWs...This works for me.
Sounds like your bug is happy and moving!
Keep your oil in an old squeeze to drink bottle and it doesn't drip over everything particularly with a splittie bus.
Great idea, Andrew! Especially for those Splitties!! Long ago, around the late 1970's the majors did have squeeze bottles. Anywho, Happy Fahrvergnügen!
Nice explanation...
We are happy to be of help! Thank you for watching "Happy Fahrvergnügen!"
here in florida on a day like today 97 degree ,,,you cant touch that dip stick at all ,,,,june 2019 for the record and we run a 20/50 like the harleys around here also !
bug den, Then your engine is too hot. Is your fan belt slipping? Are you running a stock pulley on the crankshaft? VW workshop manual calls for straight weight motor oil, 30 wt or 40 wt depending on how hot it is. I've run my VW engine hard when it was 100 degrees here in So Cal with no problem. I run straight Castrol 40 wt. You will not get the full service life from your engine with multi-grade oil. Trust me. When your engine has warmed up, the engine oil will still be closer to 20wt. By the time the oil reacts to the 50wt side, damage has already been done. VW states that straightt 20wt oil is to be used in Arctic climates which FL is not. VW never recommended a 50wt oil. Good luck!! Bruce
Bruce What about 10w 40? An old school vw mechanic from California recommended it.
Awesome! Thanks for the tips
Bruce is glad to be of help! He says, "You are welcome and Happy Fahrvergnügen!"
When i pull the dipstick out,..my oil level is right at the first line...but when i rotate the dipstick from left to right in the crankcase and then pull out, im right in the middle of the 2 lines. So, should i add oil or not,? And why the discrepancy in the 2 methods of pulling the dipstick... thanks for great videos bytheway!
Hi, Tomas! I personally do not add oil if the reading is in-between the 2 marks. I dip twice, sometimes three times when I am not sure. I always spin the dipstick 360 degrees as I have found it gives a better reading. Why the discrepancy in the 2 methods? I don't know.
@@VWBRUCE ok,..i dont know what im doing wrong. When u get a chance, try yourself checking your dipstick by simply pulling out the dipstick, versus, swinging 360’in case,..and you may see 2 different results.
Great info, thanks!
Bruce says, "You are most welcome!"
Hello I just bought a 67 beetle it has an 1835 cc the dipstick gets really hot so does the back hood, I don’t have any gages to warn me what the temperature is, what could of be and what can I do to keep it cool, thank you 🙏 please advise.
Hey, Nikkitoo1! Sorry it took so long to respond. Here's my OverHeating Check List:
1) Check for Proper Fan Belt tightness
2) Check oil level
3) Check that you're running the correct weight motor oil (40 summer/30winter)
4) Check to see that all your Cooling Tins are in place (not missing) and there are no unplugged holes/openings, and all hoses are attached!
5) Check Engine Timing
6) Check to see if you're running a Power Pulley
One of those will probably solve your over-heating problem. If not, let me know; I've got more input! Good Luck, Bruce!
Thank you for sharing this. I have a question. I'm looking at a sand rail with an 1800CC engine. I did not see an oil filter. I think this is usual. I don't have a ton of experience with this air-cooled engine. I did note an oil cooler next to the air duct. After a little research I learn (on this configuration) I will have to remove the belly pan exposing the bottom of the engine. I now have access to the oil drain. I'm tempted to remove the round plate to inspect the screen. Here is my question, Can you recommend an external spin-off modification kit? I like the idea of more oil circulating in the engine and even more airflow over the cooler. a 12-volt ducted fan kit maybe?
Thank you and
Cheers from Louisiana.
Hello, Rick! As you have discovered, they do not come with oil-filters, only the screen above the drain plate. As to your question, there are many After Market setups that allow for increased capacity of oil and attached filter. One company, Rapid-Cool, (HaydenAuto.com might be a good start in finding a VW Oil Cooler), is a leader in this area of VW engine modification. Good Luck!
@@VWBRUCE Thank you, sir. I will check it out.
I’ve read swivelling the dipstick round can cause a misreading because it picks up oil inside the tube, but can’t see how this is true. What I can see is that with my 67 if I put it in and don’t swivel it it seems to show half (it wicks up slightly either side) but if I swivel it it comes out as full. What’s your take? Do you always do the ‘swivel’?
Scroll up a little,…i also asked him the same question. Check out his answer. I still get a large margin of error with both methods
Hi Thomas. Make sure you have the correct dipstick for your engine size. A dipstick from a 1200 will not give a true reading in a 1600. Also, let the dipstick sit for a few seconds before taking it back out to confirm a readings. 2 1/2 qts of oil will bring the reading to the top mark. Perhaps don't swivel it at all & see what kind of readings you get. Happy Fahrvergnugen.
I have a 68 bug and it keeps leaking from the oil cooler . I think it maybe building up to much pressure. Any idea?
Hi David, sorry it took so long for a Reply. I would say your oil cooler seals have had it! However, you can pull your oil pressure relief valve and clean it. Then check if your oil cooler continues to leak. My experience is, the oil cooler seals will need replacing. Hope this helps! Happy Fahrvergnügen! - Bruce
I have been using 20W50 VR1 Valvoline Racing Oil on my 1968 and it runs like a clock. What is your take on that type of oil?
Bruce says, "Mauricio, I live by the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" motto and it appears you are happy with the results of your multi-grade racing oil. I commend you! As for me, I am old school. I run straight Castrol 30W in the winter and straight Castrol 40W in the summer in my stock engines. Castrol was developed specifically for small high reving engines. Here in So. Cal. that has worked for me for over 50 years! Happy Fahrvergnügen!
tambrateer Hello Bruce I just bought a bug from California and brought it to Florida it has an 1835 cc it gets really hot here all year around what should I use? An experienced mechanic from Cali said to use 10w 40 I’m very confused, please give me your humble opinion thank you. William
Great thanks so much!!! Anyone know where I can buy paper hoses? Hard time finding that 2in1 hose :(
Bruce says, "Hi JoAnne! Might I suggest contacting Wolfsburg West in CA ( www.wolfsburgwest.com ) . That is where I get my paper hoses. They are your best bet for paper hoses. Happy Fahrvergnügen!
I have a 1972 SB and just moved from Orange Ca to El Paso Texas what should I run? I was told 20w50 that seem right to u? It's been 98 to 107 easy
Bruce says, "David! Hope your relocation was cool! Do not run multiweight for your area. I would say above 80degrees 40w, below 30w = 40w in the summer, 30w in the winter. That is my 2 cents. Happy Fahrvergnügen!"
Hi. Great video. Whats ur opinion on 10/40 synthetic my castrol.? I have a 72 ghia...and the web many guys say diff things,...jus trying to get a clear answer...thanks
Our apologies for the delayed response, Tomas! Thank you for watching. Bruce never uses synthetic. VW factory specs a straight weight motor oil. In hot climates 40w, in warm climates 30w, in cold climates 10w, and in arctic climates 5w. Bruce has always used mostly 40w, and 30w in So Cal winter and his motors have always lasted a minimum of 100,000 miles. Happy Fahrvergnügen!
Oil bath vs new air cleaner
Stock oil bath work best. Even the fancy free flow racing K&N Air Filters use oil saturated gauze elements! Just my opinion. - Bruce
Hello! I have a 66 beetle with a 1300cc engine, would you recommend that type of oil for my car too??
I personally would -- 30W in the winter, 40W in the summer.
Very good tip. Thankyou!
Glad it was helpful! Happy Fahrvergnügen! - Bruce