Which Engine Oil?

[pas]

[ I guess this is a wider subject than just Giugiaro, so I'll repost this in General Chat if there's enough interest ... ]

Those of you with older Esprits must be finding it increasingly difficult to get decent engine oil. AFAIK the engine oil industry is a minefield of acronyms and standards, almost as bad as software (and I should know as that's my job!).

I've heard that semi-synthetic or fully synthetics are not great for older engines, as they have larger working clearances than modern engines and so the modern oils can reduce working pressure by being too thin.

On the plus side, synthetics degrade over a longer time, and so maintain thermal stability and have less oxidation than non-synthetics. So maybe this outweighs the need for pressure.

I stress that I know nothing about oils, just what I've read on the wibbly wobbly web.

For my N/A Esprit 1982 Series 3, I've been using Valvoline SAE 20W/50 API* SG/CC Racing Oil. ( *API is the american standard, I think there's a Euro equivalent). But now Valvoline is getting harder to find locally, is there better stuff out there?

[jimmybondi]

Mobil Rally 1 5W50 as recommended by Lotus...

expensive stuff, though

[scoule]

Mobil Rally 1 5W50 as recommended by Lotus...

expensive stuff, though

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mobil 1 Motorsport - 15w50 ... it's a bit less runny for older engines. My Excel has used it (or the 5w50) for the last 70k miles, now at 130k miles!

The 5w50 is pretty hard to find - but used to be

Edited June 9, 2005 by scoule

[Jussi]

It's discussed over here:http://www.glcforum.com/ukesprit/forums/in...p?showtopic=543

So I use Valvoline Racing 20W50 B)

Here are also discussion about oil:

http://www.glcforum.com/ukesprit/forums/in...p?showtopic=438

And yes it seems that Racing20W50 is becoming rare product Mobil might be then the answer.

Edited June 9, 2005 by Jussi

[TSD]

Castrol RS 10W60 Fully synthetic was what I could find in Belgium and that was after going to at least 6 auto places, fuel stations, supermarkets, auto supply specialists etc. 20W50 is classic car mineral oil here and special order only. Mobil 1 is I think 5W50. Really confusing. But I think a good quality fully synthetic with high viscosity should be good for an old turbo, esp since the turbo is oil/air cooled only and must get pretty hot.

[scoule]

Mobil 1 is I think 5W50.  Really confusing. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mobil 1 "MotorSport" is 15w/50. The same oil is also sold as Mobil 1 4T for 4 stroke bikes. The original Mobil 1 was 5w/50, then became 0w/40 ... maybe others too!

http://www.mobil.com/UK-English/Lubes/PDS/...plicationsTitle

Merlin Motorsport sell the 15w/50 Mobil 1 ... expensive though!

http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/Catalogue/oils.htm

I've also used Castrol RS 10w/60 too, seems to perform similarly to the 5w/50 or 15w/50 Mobil 1.

[WayneB]

I use the oil I drain out of my Buick every 2 yrs(or 50,000 miles which ever comes first)I find the metal particles help wear mate the recipricating asemblys. Actually Mobil 1 15-50 is the good stuff(seaps a little from porus sump casting) Change it once a year( I dont do more than 2,000 kms a yr.)

[GSimpson]

I use Pennzoil 20w/50. Helps keep the oil pressure up amd less leaks. I think this is a better grade of oil to use on cars of this age rather than the thinner synthetics.

It is an SL grade oil and is not expensive.

[sprog]

I use Valvoline 20/50 racing, local car spares shop tends to keep one in stock and he can get it quite easily if out of stock. I am about to put this statement to the test as it is now due for changing!

[Guest teigan]

i've received so much conflicting information about motor oil, that the best option was to hedge my bets and go synthetic blend. it's less expensive than the full synthetics, and they are available in 20W50 viscosity. won't tell you what brand, because that would become an endorsement.

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

Most of you seem to be on the right stuff!

Once again the chaps from Lotus mentioned on sunday that they recommend

Mobil 1

Castrol RS

(those two particularly)

and Valvoline too

None of the 0W- whatevers tho - too thin

Hmm We did have one guy come over from Germany for the day yesterday but I'm starting to wonder if perhaps it should become a nore internationally attended event?! You need to club together to send a delegate over from the states

...and then fight over who gets to be the delegate!

[richcamb]

Fishy

Did the Lotus guys mention anything about recommended gearbox oils?

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

Errrrrr

[The_Del]

The only recommended transmission oil is Castrol Taf-X 75/90w

I think in the US there is a recommendation for Mobil 630M, although that is if Taf-X is unavaialble. Was in the handbook possibly.

This was recommended for the Renault and Citroen gearboxes.

People using other oils have seen some change in their gearshift of other factor, but only lotus have done the extensive testing to truly say what is good for your box, anybody else is relativley speaking, guessing...

I was using Mobil 1 75/90 thinkning it was close enough. Went back to Taf-x despite the cost and I have a lot more confidence and feel back in the gearbox.

[richcamb]

Cheers Del

Just need to get my hands on some now :-)

[The_Del]

Kato is organising something with Demon Tweeks for oil which should hopefully include Taf-X. They do the RS10/60 already as I have purchased from them in the past.

It is possible to order through a local motor factor but they have to buy in boxes of 12 bottles so unless they are willing to stock it for you it's a little more expensive.

There is also PUK who sell the 10/60 and Taf-x. Marcus should be able to get it delivered pretty quickly too. Depending upon exchange rate it works out reasonable.

I know of a motor factor near me (huntingdon) who is holding 6 bottle as the moment. Their not the cheapest unfortunately.