Have I been sold the wrong oil?

[Van Camperveld]

Hi All
I have a 1990 1.9 petrol wasserboxer and want to change the oil as I have just bought the van.
I ordered via GSF using their 'right part for your vehicle' option on the website and they have given me 10w 40 semi synthetic oil.
I just wanted to check that this is the right oil before I use it as it seems that most people use 15w 40.
Could someone please help me out?
Many thanks
D

[itchyfeet]

Yes wrong oil take it back
15w40 mineral is what you need

[Van Camperveld]

Wow that was quick - thank you very much for your help!
D

[itchyfeet]

In theory that oil is ok but it will most likely make your tappets rattle so best to use mineral oil I,'m sure they will swap it.

[scottbott]

I know this subject is mentioned every so often but I have been running mine on Castrol GTX for 5 years no problems and the engine is not leaking oil as has been suggested,just saying

[kevtherev]

Agree with Mr feet
I use 20w/50 in the summer and 15w/40 in the winter.
All mineral.
Your choice, but I like to use what the lord god VW intended.

[Van Camperveld]

Thanks guys - I will take it back and swap it. I'd rather be safe than sorry!
Cheers
D

[R0B]

IIRC.Aidan has been using semi synth for quite some time.And I think Gasure also use it nowadays.

[itchyfeet]

I know this subject is mentioned every so often but I have been running mine on Castrol GTX for 5 years no problems and the engine is not leaking oil as has been suggested,just saying

I did't say it would leak I said in theory it's ok but your tappets will probably rattle.


Most people have 25 year old tappets, if you have new you may be fine but you can't take it back once it's in so it may cost you to find out.

[California Dreamin]

Or use the thinner 10W40 to find out....it will just mean putting up with noisy tappets every so often (which quieten off when the engine gets hot). If you get through a few weeks without experiencing the 'tappet drain' phenomenon, you are fine to continue using the 10W40.
Even if you get the rattle, it isn't really any detriment...just damn embarrassing driving slowly past people you know

The semi synthetic versas mineral debate is also a subtle one...one or two users reporting oil leaks after switching (although this might be also down to a thinner grade being more searching) However, on the evolutionary scale there is no doubt that synthetic and part synthetic oils are superior in so many ways to straight mineral.
The fact remains though, that when our engines were designed the larger tolerances and wear that has occured over the years, makes a thicker oil more suitable for most users...15W40 still remains the grade of choice...I use Semi Synthetic nowadays, the choice is yours.

Martin