Lets have a mass debate on OIL

[SteveH]

I've been using Castrol RS 10w60 for the past year or so and recently moved to Silkolene 10w50. I must say I have noticed lower oil temps at high speed on the motorway and lower oil consumption with Silkolene. I always noticed a bit of oil burning/smell in the cabin shortly after an oil change with Castrol, this doesn't happen with the Silkolene. The price is better too, an all round winner for me

[dan_b]

I never noticed any oil smells after changing oil with the 10-60, were you putting in the correct amount, sounds like you might have overfilled, or spilled some on the block?

[SteveH]

I never noticed any oil smells after changing oil with the 10-60, were you putting in the correct amount, sounds like you might have overfilled, or spilled some on the block?

Spilled some on the block Nope, it was the oil for some reason. I do know how to measure out oil too, so it wasn't overfilled.

[dan_b]

Sorry, just musing possible reasons for burning oil smells, didn't mean to offend

[SteveH]

Sorry, just musing possible reasons for burning oil smells, didn't mean to offend

Hehe, no offence taken I think it may have been due to the high viscosity of the oil when it was cold and new. The smell would go after a a few days.

[Jamo]

I've tried 10w40 10w60 and 10w50 think i'll try the 5W40 next after my next tub of Silkolene.

I can't use my past experiences now after finding the PCV valve and pipes blocked.

So i can only objectively talk from this point onwards.

I like the 10W60 Castrol RS but have found the 10W50 to be better suited to the car.

[dan_b]

Hi Jamo
Your closing sentence - how have you come to that conclusion, what have you seen or heard in the engine to lead you to that thought?

[Jamo]

Hi Jamo
Your closing sentence - how have you come to that conclusion, what have you seen or heard in the engine to lead you to that thought?

Because i noticed a change in the cars performance when i changed oils BUT since i had other problems i was unaware off i dont feel i can objectively say it was the oil alone that made the difference.

[merlin's S4]

My oil's due a change and I'm planning to try Silkolene but I can't decide whether to try 10w50 or 5w40

I'm thinking that with the 5w40 I may get a few more miles out of a tank but I'm worried that it may be a little thin for a high mileage engine, thus increasing oil consumption! Any thoughts??

[PeteRR]

I'd go for the 10W-50 Merlin (and I do!), can't go wrong with it really.

[Fat Audi 80]

@ Jamo and Dan.

I changed my oil last night to my first batch of Pro-S 10W50 and immediately noticed a difference on startup! The engine felt like it revved a bit quicker as the flywheel had got lighter. I am sure it wasn't my imagination. Overall performance seems the same (expected) but the inital "blip" seems a little quicker and a "lighter2 feeling engine.

When filling the oil is noticeably thinner and not so "gloopy".

I also changed the lambda probe while I was in there, so I am hoping for some better fuel economy....

Cheers,

Steve.

P.S. I too, also love the cool purple colour!

[dan_b]

Well, the purple colour does it for me if nothing else

Steve what you're seeing could just as easily be because you've changed the lambda and the engine is now running properly. One of the symptoms of a knackered lambda is hesitation/ poor rev pick-up. You should certainly notice an improvement in mpg with a properly functioning lambda too.

[Fat Audi 80]

Well, the purple colour does it for me if nothing else

Steve what you're seeing could just as easily be because you've changed the lambda and the engine is now running properly. One of the symptoms of a knackered lambda is hesitation/ poor rev pick-up. You should certainly notice an improvement in mpg with a properly functioning lambda too.

Oh yeah, silly me! I have already forgotten I had done that!

Anyway. 1000 miles on (Scotland this weekend) I am very happy with the oil and have not noticed any difference in consumption either...

Cheers,

Steve.

[oilman]

Whether you go for the Pro S 5w-40 or 10w-50 should be determined by the mods, style of driving etc.

The 5w-40 is more suitable for road use in stock cars not seeing temps above 120degC the 10w-50 is better for highly modded cars, used on road and track that see the occasional temps above 120degC

Cheers
Simon

[1975DCS]

@ Oilman

On most forums I see people changing oil every 3.000-7.000 km. Is this really need if you would use a very good oil (either 40 or 50)? And why would a manufacturer like Audi recommend oil change at 15.000 km or 1 year, if they could easily earn more if they changed to 7.500 or 1/2 year... What is your opinion on this?