I've been filling up my Volvo S40 diesel with 15W-40 since I've got it but I need to change oil and I'm wondering if I should stick with the same viscosity or should I go for 10W-30?
Even though its done almost 134k miles, I never have to top up the oil in between oil changes.
Do you guys recommend putting a can of "no smoking" stuff while changing oil? I've been using it.
|
|
To be honest with you the quality of the oil is more important with these units a good quality oil like Fuchs or Havoline (avalible from Morrisions petrol stations) are the ones to go for 10-40 diesel spec is the one to go for 10-30 tends to be a Ford Zetec spec or VW longlife spec (can't remeber which) where as want is a diesel oil which should contain alll the addative you need.
|
Paul thanks for your reply. Its a Renault 1.9TD engine and I've been using commas 15W-40 as it was recommended by my local car parts shop. For past couple of weeks car seems to smoke a bit the first thing ni the morning but after 30 seconds or so there isn't a hint of smoke so I was wondering could it be the thick oil that I've used?
GM and Commas are two brands the local shop sells in great deal. Do they do good oils? If not then I could get Castrol brand from them, they're usually couple of quid cheaper than the halfords.
|
We have a 2002 Fiat Punto with the old 1.9 indirect injection diesel engine.
10w40 is specified, but it used oil and leaked a little from the plastic inlet manifold/cam cover.
Using 15w40 stopped the seep of oil and oil consumption went to zero.
it seems to me Fiat were a little optimistic in using 10w40 in this old engine design.
If 15w40 works, i would stay with it.
Its the specs on the can more than the make. I`m not sure i go for castrols line of advertising.
It always seems like the old "persil washes whiter" ads
Edited by oilrag on 05/11/2007 at 18:31
|
Mazman, i'm going to relate a tale for you it may include one of the oils you mentioned.
Some years ago i bought a good old 3.0 td landcruiser (probably the most reliable vehicle i've ever owned). Anyway after getting it home i did what we always do and gave her a full service, after about 1000 miles the engine started to sound really noisy in fact i was sure i could hear mains rattling not good.
So off to dealer, mechanic comes out listens and pronounces engine needs full rebuild, picture how close my chin was to floor.
Right second opinion off to another dealer where the l/c specialist built and rallied his own of this model.
He listens and tells me to go and drain out offending oil (not printable description) and put some good stuff in.
Which i do, and lovely smooth engine which performed quietly for 5 years before the motor saved georgeous' from injury in a prang. In fact some months later a chap from Bradford called me, he had bought it as a write off and was using it and couldn't believe how smooth the engine was.
Sorry bit long winded, but valuable lesson for me about using good quality lubricants (and other consumables) and i always use Fuchs or Millers or similar meself since.
I don't use a thinner oil in winter meself, just make sure its changed regularly with the spec recommended and a reputable make.
|
|
|
|
MazMan
My thoughts are that 15W/40 is likely to be a fairly basic mineral oil, not a semi synthetic. Assuming your car has a turbo, I'd be far happier with at least a semi-synthetic in it - typically these are 10W/40 which would give the cold start benefits.
JS
|
Thanks peeps. I'm thinking I'll use good quality 10W-40 this time to make cold starting bit more easier for the engine in winters because it struggles a bit at the moment with revs a bit tempramental for about 15/20 seconds. Whereas Mazda 323 TD starts very smoothly and I had put it Castrol's 10W-40 in it when I serviced it couple of weeks ago.
|
|
|
15/40 ISN'T a basic mineral oil per se it could easily be semi or fully syn. For example Quantum 15/40 for diesels is semi syn and based on a good base stock yet can easily be had for under £15.
Yes the majority of 15/40 used to be mineral but that has changed and most oils are Semi Syn these days. If I saw a bottle of mineral oil I would be very wary as it is probably based on the cheepest base stock. (excluding Classic car oils)
As for Comma oil - they tend to have a good name - they are owned by Esso/Mobil and in fact package their product.
|
|
|
|
