1991 Vanagon oil
What's the best oil brand and viscosity for my 1991 Vanagon camper with 160,000 miles?

The Volkswagen Vanagon for 1991 was virtually unchanged from the previous year's model. Several different trim packages were available for 1991, including the standard Vanagon, the Vanagon GL, the GL Camper, the Carat, the Multivan, and the limited-edition Wolfsburg Edition. All versions of the Vanagon were powered by a 2.1-liter water-cooled four-cylinder engine that generated 90 horsepower and included the Digifant fuel-injection system.
A four-speed manual transmission was standard, while a five-speed manual was standard on trim packages that included VW's Synchro all-wheel-drive system. A three-speed automatic transmission was optional. The rear-wheel-drive vehicle was also equipped with rack and pinion steering, power-assisted brakes, and front and rear independent suspension.
Standard features for the Vanagon included front bucket seats, a rear window defogger, a padded instrument panel, a sliding side door, and a lockable glove box. The Vanagon GL added deluxe front seats, power heated mirrors, a rear window wiper, carpeting, and air conditioning, while the GL Camper added a stove, sink, refrigerator, storage cabinets, and folding stow-away tables.
The Carat added such features as the power door locks, privacy curtains, and power front windows, while the Multivan added a rear clothes locker and a two-person sleeping loft, among other features.
Generally, drivers agreed that the Vanagon was fun to drive, and cited its handling, roominess, durability, and versatility as positive points. However, many drivers also noted that the vehicle often needed frequent repairs, which could be expensive.
What's the best oil brand and viscosity for my 1991 Vanagon camper with 160,000 miles?
We had to replace our fuel pump -- age related, and got a bosch pump and now we have NOISE; not a rattle or anything just plain NOISE. We have a '91 Westy in great shape. I know this is common but has anyone FIXED this problem?
I have replaced brake light switch 3-4 times now. Replacing with a worldpac oe style seitches. Aftermarket cruise on van. I know when I lose brake lights, as it effects my cruise too. Replace switch and all good for 3-4 months.... Ideas??? Can the cruise control be spiking the switch or be a possible culprit??? Anyone with ideas? Gene
Do I have to have the motor running to check the automatic transmission fluid?
I recently inherited a 1991 vanagon from a friend. The problem is, he said it ran great for a while, then he noticed the gas mileage droped by a bit and it the exhaust smokes alot. Apparently this happened all of the sudden and it wasn't something that slowly got worse. The first thing I did was check the oil level, and it was a bit over the max and very black. He said he had added oil because the oil pressure warning light is on. Where should I start? I am not a mechanic myself, but I was told by friend that a compression check would be where to start,but it might not be accurate until I put good oil in it.
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy