How important is it that my motorhome ducato 2.2l, 100 multijet engine handbook states that 5w-40 oil should be used for the oil change, but the motor factor where I purchased the oil said that his computer system recommends 5w-30 oil. What is the difference and how important is it. Look forward to some info hopefully quite soon. Thanks all.
Technical Correct or wrong engine oil??
- Thread starter Robertmac
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Technical Correct or wrong engine oil??
The numbers difference is the hot viscosity protection level. 5w-40 is "better" than 5w-30 More important is the approvals and if the engine requires low SAP oil. Handbooks can be out of date, but I would not trust a factor either.
Try a couple of websites, Castrol, Shell and Morris oils and see what they say.
Robert G8RPI.
Don't be put off by its viscosity. Of course a 5w-30 feels thin compared with thicker oils, but oil thickness is not a guide to its capability.
An extreme example would be compare tar with light household oil. Both are mineral oil. What matters is film strength, as well as other properties, determined by the additive spec and shown by the approvals codings. A thin oil with the correct approvals is probably better than a thicker one with earlier approvals.
In the early eighties, Vauxhall (Opel) were one of the first to specify 10w-40 instead of 20w-50 for their OHC engines. A work colleague, with a brand new Astra reacted to the thinner oil and replaced it with 20w-50. Then his camshaft seized, having been starved of oil until the engine was hot as the thicker oil would not pass through the tiny oilways properly.
Yes 20w was totally unsuitable for our climate in that engine, its not an apples for apples comparison.
In this case same engine, two oil recommendations, I would go with the 5w40 especially if its a DPF model with the oil dilution problems experienced by transit owners.
In this case same engine, two oil recommendations, I would go with the 5w40 especially if its a DPF model with the oil dilution problems experienced by transit owners.
Well Castrol say 5W-30 is for engine code 4HV (post 2006). They only list the 5W-40 for the older engines like the 2.0 JTD.
Morris say 5W-40 for non-DPF engines and 5W-30 low SAP for those with DPF.
This makes sense as DPF equipped vehicles generally need low SAP and its normally not available in 5W-40.
If you have a DPF you must use the 5W-30 low SAP to stop it blocking with ash. If you don't have a DPF 5W-40 will give better protection, but 5W-30 won't cause damage.
Robert G8RPI.
Morris say 5W-40 for non-DPF engines and 5W-30 low SAP for those with DPF.
This makes sense as DPF equipped vehicles generally need low SAP and its normally not available in 5W-40.
If you have a DPF you must use the 5W-30 low SAP to stop it blocking with ash. If you don't have a DPF 5W-40 will give better protection, but 5W-30 won't cause damage.
Robert G8RPI.
Thanks g8RPI, much appreciated, I thought it would have something to do with that....what's in a number!!
Cheers corcai, I get the picture better now with the input of you guys. I did take the 5w30 and will use it this time and see how I feel about it and if I notice any difference , I will take it from there, many thanks for your input.
Good sound advice gained through experience, I have just joined the Fiat Forum and don't think I will ever go far wrong in the present company. Thanks to all replies. Robertmac
It's horses for courses with engine oils.
If you drive away with a cold engine in a Siberia winter, you may need 5W30 or even thinner.
If you start your engine and allow a few minutes warmup in a Spanish heatwave then 15W40 may be a good choice.
Manufacturers recommendations are always to be carefully read but they cannot cover every circumstance and usage.
My wife's Ford Escort 90 TD is on it's 4th time round the clock showing [3]40,000kms uses no oil between changes, and has never had any engine repair, only routine consumables, I change the oil [Cepsa SHPD 15W40] every 5000km with a new filter every time. I have no idea nor care which oil Ford suggest.
Lastly a thicker oil will enable a worn engine to run a little quieter.
And as for synthetic oil !!!
If you drive away with a cold engine in a Siberia winter, you may need 5W30 or even thinner.
If you start your engine and allow a few minutes warmup in a Spanish heatwave then 15W40 may be a good choice.
Manufacturers recommendations are always to be carefully read but they cannot cover every circumstance and usage.
My wife's Ford Escort 90 TD is on it's 4th time round the clock showing [3]40,000kms uses no oil between changes, and has never had any engine repair, only routine consumables, I change the oil [Cepsa SHPD 15W40] every 5000km with a new filter every time. I have no idea nor care which oil Ford suggest.
Lastly a thicker oil will enable a worn engine to run a little quieter.
And as for synthetic oil !!!
Cheers Roland, I must agree with your actions regarding 'oils' and you are proven out by the ford escort still running away fine. I am just re-finding my place in this oily world...that is, I am just reverting to doing oil changes myself, mainly because, my van is long out of warranty and with what I find as the rip-off cost of garages / dealerships, I will keep them at arms length as long as possible! I am only using the synthetic oil because it seems to be the recommended type for my diesel engine.(a 're-starting' point so to speak) Your knowledge is much appreciated. Robertmac.
Aye, after how fast can I make my car go, the oil question comes a close second. I can only echo Roland. Regular oil & filter changes are more beneficial to an engine. Modern day driving more often than not consists of a lot of start & stop, so if you're holding on to the motor for a while, twice yearly is a good habit to choose.
Types of oil are a fiercely debated topic, both for those in the industry/manufacturing who's profits rely on clever advertising & of course those who drive everyday cars & have knowledge from friends, what they see/hear/read in various magazines & media. The choice is yours.:chin:
Types of oil are a fiercely debated topic, both for those in the industry/manufacturing who's profits rely on clever advertising & of course those who drive everyday cars & have knowledge from friends, what they see/hear/read in various magazines & media. The choice is yours.:chin:
It's not really your choice. Modern cars are fussy abut the oil they use. In particular emissions control equipment does not like sulphur and ash (sulphur helps lubricity so low SAPs oil has other additives to make up for this but they may not be as effective). If the car is under warranty it may be voided if you do not use the correct specification (not just viscosity) oil. 5000 mile changes are not required with good quality synthetic or semi-synthetic oils.
Robert G8RPI.
Robert G8RPI.
My point really being people falling for the marketing hype that some car manufactures say only their special oil will only do, while there are other cheaper choices/alternatives that have the same/required spec.
Also see this new thread
https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-iii/438904-if-your-car-warranty-important.html
Robert G8RPI.
https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-iii/438904-if-your-car-warranty-important.html
Robert G8RPI.
Yep! saw that thread & just goes to show how Fiat are forcing you in every which way they can to screw you for every penny they can get.
I'm old school & I realise engines & oils have come a long way but the the likes of Fiat & others are going to new lengths. As for the dealerships, well that's another story.
I'm old school & I realise engines & oils have come a long way but the the likes of Fiat & others are going to new lengths. As for the dealerships, well that's another story.
