Oil

[carl_w]

I am led to believe that my car has 10W/30 Shell fully synthetic oil in. I need to get a big pot of oil for topups, but not much seems to come in that grade. I was thinking of getting some Amsoil 10W/30 from Demon Thieves -- anyone else using this, or should I go thicker (and will it mix)? Used to used Castrol RS 10W/60 in the Scoob, but generally you need pretty thick oil in turbocharged engines.

[kojak69]

I wouldn't go too thick, especially as winter is approaching. You need to get the oil round the engine on the cold start ups. I use Vavoline 5/50 from Joolz. Its slightly thicker than the Mobil 0/40 I originally used.

[satman]

IMO (and i believe others will back me up),you should avoid mixing different brands of oils, esp synthetic oils. Try where possible to use the oil specified by your handbook, your main dealer or someone 'in the know'...(Joolz is one to ask Im sure...), and if you are changing over to something different to what is currently being used, dont forget to change the oil filter as well!

[mudstud]

That lovely subject of oil again....just had some work done at topcats. They have used a semi synthetic oil when refilling the oil. They state that this is a better option and that all the engine problems they come across are on engines run with synthetic oils. They run their race cars on the semi as well. Hadn't heard anything along these lines before, has anyone else???? Will try and remember to get the brand and rating when I talk to them tomorrow and will post.

[mudstud]

Further to my post below, oil is COMMA Semi synthetic 10/40. Apparently COMMA now owned by ESSO.

[shpub]

Race cars tend to have an oil change every time the car is used. They also need an oil that is tolerant of excessive fuel which usually points to a mineral as these tend to be good at this. Minerals don't like heat and sludge. Not a problem if the oil is changed after every race.

As for engines that use synthetics having problems it is a bit like saying that all cars with engine wear have four wheels so fitting a fifth will solve the problem. Oil choice does get a bit religious. Best advice is use a good one, check it regularly and change it often. And be careful that the Oil Police don't come knocking one night if you don't use whichever oil is the flavour of the month...