Engine oil

[kentishvanman]

HI,
I have used Morris' 15/40 mineral oil for the last 15/20 years, on my T3 automatic 1.9dg (lpg), and had no problems. If it ain't broke don't fix it. As a matter of interest just scrolled the web and looked at Comma oils and Rye Oils both seem ok. I usually buy a 25 litre container.
What does anyone else use... long term?
Don.

[Moonrakers]

My 75,000 mile 1.9 DG has been living on 15/40 semi-synth for the last 20 years according to the service records, so I've continued with it. I change it at 4000 miles, it's still pretty clean at that stage. Been using this due to easy off-the-shelf availability:

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine ... tic-oil-5l" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The engine burns very little oil but more importantly there are absolutely no leaks anywhere, it's a completely dry engine. I know many people are wary of adverse side effects on seals or gaskets on older engines when switching from mineral but I'm happy to have the benefits of the synthetic content without any drawbacks.

[kentishvanman]

Thanks for input Moonrackers. Interesting thoughts about the semi synthetic.
I have always, last 15 years, used Morris 15/40. I contacted Morris about 18 months ago and they suggested I buy their Duplex oil if I wanted a 25 litre drum. Works out a bit cheaper and they said it is the same as the Servol 15/40. I collected it from their local rep.
Today they suggested using their Golden Film 20/50 oil and said the Duplex oil is unsuitable for a 1.9dg. If one searches their web site using number plate recognition for a suggested oil it comes up with their MultiVis 10/40.???????????
So.....15/40....20/50....the wrong oil is better than no oil I suppose.

[Moonrakers]

So Don, the Duplex 15/40 you were using should be fine - the correct weight and has the VW performance standard 505.00 approval on the can. I can't see what could go wrong with it, if changed often enough. The latest recommendation is, interestingly, a semi-synth which personally I prefer but in a thinner weight. This should also be fine and well within spec for the DG unless your engine suffers from regular rattly tappet syndrome - the 10/40 might drain down more readily overnight or between drives and as you know it's annoyingly loud for the first few miles while the tappets pump up again, though not dangerous for the engine. Before investing in a drum, it might be worth buying 5 litres of that first just to see if it does affect your tappets. I have never tried 20/40 but again I can't see it is likely to cause any problems in a DG... all in all, any of the three should do the job fine but if you've been OK with the last drum, I guess you may as well stick with it...

[nesty]

I recently put in Comma x-flow 15/40w (mineral). Done about 1000 miles on it all ok, so far.

Though service prior the garage had put in 10/40w semi synthetic. I had no leaks with that. Though my engine is fully reconditioned & doesn't drink any oil, so probably why!

I am basically doing the tappet sound check between the 2 & there doesn't seem to be any difference sound wise or any leaks. I might go back to 10/40w semi synthetic oil at the next change, as prefer to run synthetic if possible.

[Moonrakers]

I recently put in Comma x-flow 15/40w (mineral). Done about 1000 miles on it all ok, so far.

Though service prior the garage had put in 10/40w semi synthetic. I had no leaks with that. Though my engine is fully reconditioned & doesn't drink any oil, so probably why!

I am basically doing the tappet sound check between the 2 & there doesn't seem to be any difference sound wise or any leaks. I might go back to 10/40w semi synthetic oil at the next change, as prefer to run synthetic if possible.

Interestingly it seems the majority of garages, even VW specialists, will choose to put semi-synth (with the relevant VW approval) in T25's whereas many of the owners who service their own vans won't touch it. I wouldn't disrespect their choice, I'm familiar with the many arguments. However, if you've used semi-synth and it hasn't caused the fabled leaks or rattles, or been burned by the engine excessively, then there's absolutely no reason to revert to mineral - the more modern stuff will definitely offer superior lubrication and cleaner engine internals and the extra cost can be recouped by changing it a little less often judging by my experiences with it.

[300CE]

I've currently used Valvoline VR1 20/50 mineral for the last couple of years. Went from a 10/40 semi synth and got no tappet rattle from either.

May go back to the semi synth once I've replaced the fire rings.

[kentishvanman]

Hi,
Actually looked at the Instruction Manual that came with the vehicle when it was new. My manual is 1987 edition and for Transporter/Caravelle.
It states, for those that don't have one,.....petrol engines.... high performance and improved lubricity engine oil should be used and this will cover a temp range of -22C to 32C. Does not say anymore except that VAG dealers have it.
This oil should always be used. but in isolated cases if this is not available then the following multigrade can be used. Temp. range -15C to 32C use 15w-40/50. For a temp of-10C to 32C use 20w-40/50. All should be to VW spec 500/505000
No mention of mineral, semi synth or synth. except that high performance oils have been developed within the mineral oil industry. Interestingly it does say that mineral or synthetic can be used for diesel engines and that the two types can be mixed.
So I have always used 15/40 mineral and not had any problems so will stick with it. I might try some of the lesser well known brands though if it is the correct spec.