Flashing Oil light

[Ian Hulley]

Lots of us running on mineral and changing it when they hear the need .... people outside of Surrey also run T25s remember.

Are still running a WBXer Neil ? ... or a change the TDi/gearbox every year alternative ?

[silverbullet]

That must be the difference. I have only got T3's.

[kevtherev]

What ever you do, or choose to do from VW advice or "science" is your prerogative.
There is no harm in changing oil regularly, or using mineral oil

I choose to change mine every 5000 miles with mineral oil
I will recommend others do to
After twelve years of doing it to the same van, no harm has come from it.

[lodgey62]

My old uncle would tell me that good oil is the cheapest form of engineering.

[silverbullet]

No harm in changing oil frequently I agree, but the kind of intervals being touted are literally applicable to oils from the 1950's
Oil technology has moved on.
Put Castrol R in it if you like the smell...

[Mocki]

Engineering perspective may well say don't bother with oil changing, but it's a fact WBX engines benefit from shorter period between oil and filter change.
Ask those with holes in the top of the casing how often they changed the oil.....

[silverbullet]

I didnt say dont bother!

[ghost123uk]

Oh goody, an oil thread

Just for the stats,
in the summer (oil change around late March) I use Halfords "Classic" 20/50.
In late Autumn (MOT time) I change to a mineral 15/40, (nothing fancy, just "Comma" or similar "fleet" oil), for the winter months.
I change the oil filter (Mann brand) every spring.
My van is a daily driver, doing around ~10,000 miles per year.
I don't "thrash" it, but I do let it rev when required, and I often cruise at 70mph on motorways.
I have had this engine for about 8 years now and I only need to top up the oil about 3 or 4 times a year, and then just ~1/2 a Litre.

The manual does say every 5,000 miles, but I hear what Ian is saying re modern oils being longer lasting that >30 year old formulations.

I sometimes muse over what VW say re 15/40 in slightly cooler climates and 20/50 in slightly warmer climates. I mean, the engine should always be at around 88 degrees C (thermostatically controlled). I suppose it's down to cold start performance, but still, a running engine is quickly up to 88 regardless of ambient temperature

[silverbullet]

Checked my old Q8 automotive and commercial oils tables (printed 6/93) and for all Transporter3 petrol models it says:
15W40 mineral OR 10W40 semi-synthetic...

[kevtherev]

Did it...
Last time I checked Q8 was the marketing arm of the Kuwaiti oil co selling oil.
Does the marketing arm test its product on an engine with over 150,000 miles with flat tappet technology.
Did the marketing arm think about its ZDDP content.

I won't be convinced that anything else is more beneficial for my engine.
Than 15/40 or 20/50 mineral from a reputable source.
Which I will admit is harder to find.

[ghost123uk]

Just to mention, for those of us who like to use a classic 20/50 oil with ZDDP, Halfords always have it in stock, and often have offers on it. Morrises oils do one too, but theirs is darned expensive iirc.

I sometimes muse over what VW say re 15/40 in slightly cooler climates and 20/50 in slightly warmer climates. I mean, the engine should always be at around 88 degrees C (thermostatically controlled). I suppose it's down to cold start performance, but still, a running engine is quickly up to 88 regardless of ambient temperature

What do "we" think about this ^^^^ bit?