Oil Weights

[Jim-ME]

I am confused about which weight motor oil to use. At this point until I get all the engine leaks and seeps corrected I have planned to use Castrol synthetic blend. Should I use 5W30, 10W30 or different weights summer and winter? As always, thanks in advance.
Jim

[gudjeon]

oily-oily

Howdy Jim,

I use good old 10W30 in winter. If it gets below -20c consistently, I would switch to 5W30. For the rest of the year, I run 15W40. I do not use synthetics as it would get expensive to feed a series motor. I change it often anyway and Wally Mart always has some good brand on sale. Synthetics may be overkill for a series motor as the API/SAE rating of regular modern oils are light years ahead of what the rover was designed for.

In the end, its up to you and what suits your motoring.

Jon M.

[Jim-ME]

Thanks for the valuable response.
Jim

[yorker]

I use a good quality 15w40 Diesel oil in mine, usually Shell Rotella(which is easily available in convenient 1 gallon jugs), for 3 season use. In the winter a good 10w30 or even 5w30 would be a decent choice when the temps are apt to dip below 0F.
For me full synthetics are too expensive considering the volume the LR takes, that is why I usually prefer a top notch diesel oil.


Here is what LR reccomends:

[yorker]

[Jim-ME]

Both of you have provided great information. Thanks so very much.
Jim

[zayante]

Boutique Oils

I was down at the Kragan yesterday, and noticed a couple of new Castrol products that piqued my interest. There was a GTX High Milage, which reputedly has seal conditioners and additional anti-wear addatives, and a GTX Start Up, which is described as having extra additives to reduce wear in the first few minutes of a cold start. Both products are significantly more expensive than your standard GTX (upwards of $4/qt.)

The reason I was looking at them was an article by Keith Ansell in the NAMGB Register journal about the fact that oil companies were taking out anti-wear additives, particularly zinc (ZDDP), manganese and phosphates, in the name of catalytic converter preservation. This change has a bad effect on cams and tappets, an observation made by engine rebuilders, cam grinders, and mechanics. The article refers to American Engine Rebuilders Association Bulletin #TB2333. Castrol is quoted as recommending HD-30 as a break-in oil and also suggests using non-approved oils such as diesel rated oils (like Tection) for low milage engines. Redline synthetic is also recommended in the article.

[yorker]

I've heard about them removing the extreme wear additives too. If you are interested in such info then check out the links posted here:

http://www.landroverusaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=528