hi
im about to carry out an oil and filter cx. i have read in the ace handbook on this site that 10w/30 semi/synthetic oil is best to use. i went to my local motor factors yesterday who suggested 15w/40 synthetic for td's will do the job. they did have 10w30 but the can specified it for petrol engines?
is the 15w/40 ok to use? i have a new shape 2wd 5 speed manual 2l td 47km.
- (#9710) Marcus Rogers (Cornwall), 31 Mar 04 02:44

The best is the best,and fully synthetic is the best. It is however the most expensive, semi-synthetic is the next best, and with the frequent oil changes not so hard on the wallet. Mineral oil would also do the job, but will tire quicker.
- (#9710) Clive, 31 Mar 04 06:24

I have been warned off using full synthetic in older diesel engines.
It apparently is so smooth that it 'cleans out' the build up that the engine has built up over the years, and actually speeds up failure.
If you use it from the start it is great, and highly recommended.


I don't know all the tech bits about it, but that's what I have been told.

Someone over here rang one of the oil companies to get a recommendation direct from them and was told "Jap diesel" I can't remember the brand (Could be Castrol), and it may different over there anyway.

I use Penrite Light diesel. Happy with it.
- (#9710) DaveW, 1 Apr 04 18:27

Yes a bit like feeding a wino on champagne after years of liver abuse from meths. If the engine's been used to mineral oil it will be conditioned to it and pure synth could be a shock to the system. Ween it off mineral with semi-synth and anyway changing the oil every 3k miles it gets expensive on magnatec and the like.

- (#9710) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 1 Apr 04 23:47