Mobil 1 - Wanted
Discussion
Checked my oil level after a blast at the weekend and the level has dropped off the dipstick 
.
I can't remember when I last checked it so I'm not sure it's leaked or burnt up - may have been low after the last service. Now I need some top-up, the question is where from? Last service I'm sure he used 15w/40 but this may be difficult to get - any ideas? I think Halfrauds only sell 0w/40 which I do NOT want. So is there anywhere I can order on line?
Thanks.
. I can't remember when I last checked it so I'm not sure it's leaked or burnt up - may have been low after the last service. Now I need some top-up, the question is where from? Last service I'm sure he used 15w/40 but this may be difficult to get - any ideas? I think Halfrauds only sell 0w/40 which I do NOT want. So is there anywhere I can order on line?
Thanks.
Halfords definately stock Mobil 1 15/40 as I have just filled up with it, lost it all when I started the car with the oil pressure sender removed, then filled up again. (Extravagant engine flush at about 80 quid!) I have tryed Mobil 1 0/40 in more modern engined cars and have lost the lot through the exhaust pipe before now, but have found that the 15/40 is fantastic and has even increased my oil pressure.
My Griff 4.0 has done 4k miles since I got it and has used 1/2 litre of Mobil 1 0w/40. Don't understand why some PHers seem to have an aversion to the stuff.
Just had it serviced by local TVR agent who put Shell 5w/40 something in it. Not being a hexpert in oil mechanics myself, I assume there is some reason for preferring this?
Just had it serviced by local TVR agent who put Shell 5w/40 something in it. Not being a hexpert in oil mechanics myself, I assume there is some reason for preferring this?
My TVR specialist now uses 5/40 in my Chimaera. I'm not sure about the technical part, but I know it increases the oil pressure somewhat. The oil pressure gauge on 0/40 was 30-ish. On 5/40 it's about 45. Apparently the 5/40 is better because it doesn't seep past the piston rings, lubricates better (steady!), doesn't get into the exhaust system, doesn't leave sooty deposits in the tail pipe, and is better for the car. Sounds reasonable to me, but I'm sure our friend Steve Heath would give a more technical reply 
Edited to add: this is assuming the gauges are accurate
>> Edited by RiverGirrl on Tuesday 1st April 12:13
Edited to add: this is assuming the gauges are accurate
>> Edited by RiverGirrl on Tuesday 1st April 12:13
Roger
If you really want 15/50 Mobil 1 I have some - I got it in France and I'll be back there soon to get more. I work in Essex - Basildon. Let me know direct via my profile (if I can change it!).
Otherwise, Esso petrol stations do Mobil products, they may have 1 litre bottles of the stuff.
Dan
If you really want 15/50 Mobil 1 I have some - I got it in France and I'll be back there soon to get more. I work in Essex - Basildon. Let me know direct via my profile (if I can change it!).
Otherwise, Esso petrol stations do Mobil products, they may have 1 litre bottles of the stuff.
Dan
Craigy - how much is the 15w/40 at Halfwits? Is it Mobil Motorsport?
The main reason for 15w/40 is that the previous owner used it, and the guy who serviced it last. 0w/40 may be a modern latest-tech oil, but the Rover engine certainly isn't. Also, IMHO it's like bat's p1ss.
Anybody know a supplier on line via the interweb thingey so I don't have to go shopping? Thanks.
The main reason for 15w/40 is that the previous owner used it, and the guy who serviced it last. 0w/40 may be a modern latest-tech oil, but the Rover engine certainly isn't. Also, IMHO it's like bat's p1ss.
Anybody know a supplier on line via the interweb thingey so I don't have to go shopping? Thanks.
Dear all,
This is something that this lowly Estate Agent knows a little about as I used to be a fuels & lubricants technician for Ricardo, specialising in design and development on Saab, Volvo, Rover & Ford Turbocharged, Normally aspirated and catalysed engines.
Mobil 1 is a fantastic oil which does not degrade very quickly over time as it is fully synthetic and very stable. HOWEVER, as its' viscosity covers a range from zero (nearly the thickness of water!)It will seep past the piston rings and indeed more importantly the external seals of a lot of older (in design)engines, as their tolerances are that much lower than in modern lightweight hich revving units. In my experience the safest older engines which benefitted greatly from using this oil were those machined to hagh specifications such as Saab, Volvo, Toyota etc. These were designed to withstand huge stresses due to being force-fed with air & petrol / or revving to 9000RPM in some cases. (Many made a huge mess of my test cell by the way, ricochet of con rods etc!)
Anyway, as our beloved TVR's use unburstable tried and tested lazy & torquey engines, they don't need to be machined to the same degree.I IMHO am mortified to see that our friends are happy to see up to five litres of oil disappear through their exhausts in 6000 miles as modern engines very rarely need topping up between services.Don't get me wrong i'm sure that it is doing more good than harm to the engines, but it is clearly too thin.
This is why I have been waiting for ten years for Mobil to bring out the 15/40 variation as this provides the best of both worlds. Remember Mobil one have developed these oils through testing on V12 Formula one units so it must be bloody good!
It is fully synthetic, stays in the engine where it should be and has increased my oil pressure by 7psi throughout the heat range.(p.s it is the motorsport formula brand)Even my Volvo 850 T5 runs sweeter on it!
Sorry for chapter and verse but this is the key to the service life of your Performance car's engine.
This is something that this lowly Estate Agent knows a little about as I used to be a fuels & lubricants technician for Ricardo, specialising in design and development on Saab, Volvo, Rover & Ford Turbocharged, Normally aspirated and catalysed engines.
Mobil 1 is a fantastic oil which does not degrade very quickly over time as it is fully synthetic and very stable. HOWEVER, as its' viscosity covers a range from zero (nearly the thickness of water!)It will seep past the piston rings and indeed more importantly the external seals of a lot of older (in design)engines, as their tolerances are that much lower than in modern lightweight hich revving units. In my experience the safest older engines which benefitted greatly from using this oil were those machined to hagh specifications such as Saab, Volvo, Toyota etc. These were designed to withstand huge stresses due to being force-fed with air & petrol / or revving to 9000RPM in some cases. (Many made a huge mess of my test cell by the way, ricochet of con rods etc!)
Anyway, as our beloved TVR's use unburstable tried and tested lazy & torquey engines, they don't need to be machined to the same degree.I IMHO am mortified to see that our friends are happy to see up to five litres of oil disappear through their exhausts in 6000 miles as modern engines very rarely need topping up between services.Don't get me wrong i'm sure that it is doing more good than harm to the engines, but it is clearly too thin.
This is why I have been waiting for ten years for Mobil to bring out the 15/40 variation as this provides the best of both worlds. Remember Mobil one have developed these oils through testing on V12 Formula one units so it must be bloody good!
It is fully synthetic, stays in the engine where it should be and has increased my oil pressure by 7psi throughout the heat range.(p.s it is the motorsport formula brand)Even my Volvo 850 T5 runs sweeter on it!
Sorry for chapter and verse but this is the key to the service life of your Performance car's engine.
Leadfoot said: So what's your verdict on the 5w50 Mobil1 that's sold in France? I use it in the Griff as it's 1/a bit thicker 2/£17 a can.
Unless the car is a LHD, this oil is incompatible and the engine will dissolve in front of your eyes....
If you find it works, just use it. The problem with oil choice is that it is a religious war with zealots advocating magical powers for Fuller's Old speckeled Wildcat Gold special Reserve and yet for every magical power that is quoted, I have seen evidence that destroys that argument. Don't get camshaft wear when you use 20W50 mineral oil like what was used when the engine was designed but cam problems were known in 1970 when Duckhams 20W50 was de riguer. Makes that argunment a bit difficult to justify!
Use a good oil. Change it regularly. Don't rev the engine until warm. Check the levels and the oil police won't bother you.
Steve
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