What sort of oil have I got?

[ian187]

After reading the post about how much oil a 500 uses, it made me think.

I've just got my 500 (bought privately) and it was fully serviced etc. However I don't know what oil (grade or synthetic etc) is in there!

So when I come to top up, what should I put in it?

Is there anyway of telling if its synthetic or not or knowing what grade it is. Any suggestions as to what I should put in it or shall I just do a complete oil change, so I know for certain whats in there?

[big_treacle]

Just call the garage that serviced it and ask them - I guess they stamped the book? (or call the guy you bought it from & ask who the garage was). I've had to do this about 3 or 4 times now... one day I'll think to ask when I pick the car up! The garage will most likely have some record of what vats of oil they were using at a given time.
Cheers

[ian187]

Thanks, but my only concern is that they might be wrong. If somebody specifically asked them to put synthetic in etc. and they tell me otherwise, what consequence will this have if I put different stuff in?

I know I'm being pessimistic, but I don't want to b*gger up my engine :-(

Basically if I mix sythetic and normal oil, is this bad?

If I get the grades wrong, then I presume this is not the end of the world and probably won't notice the difference?

If I just use different brands, then I guess this is no big deal?

I will phone the garage anyhow and ask them.

[bluechim]

Just change it yourself (it can't do any harm) then you will know what you have.

[big_treacle]

ian187 said:

Thanks, but my only concern is that they might be wrong. If somebody specifically asked them to put synthetic in etc. and they tell me otherwise, what consequence will this have if I put different stuff in? I know I'm being pessimistic, but I don't want to b*gger up my engine :-( Basically if I mix sythetic and normal oil, is this bad? If I get the grades wrong, then I presume this is not the end of the world and probably won't notice the difference? If I just use different brands, then I guess this is no big deal? I will phone the garage anyhow and ask them.

Fair enough. Not sure about mixing grades of synth but I can say that mixing synth with semi synth is bad - causes the oil to emulsify and can cause it not to flow properly (or something).

[over_the_hill]

Just an extra question.

If you do have to mix synth. grades due to
unavailability or the situation you might find
yourself in are there any rules i.e. try and
match low or high grade.
e.g have 5/50 top up with 5/40 or 15/50 ?

Remember no oil at all is a more serious problem.

[ian187]

hmmm, I'm thinking I will definately change the whole lot, as soon as it needs filling!

Better safe than sorry!

[Incorrigible]

bluechim said:

Just change it yourself (it can't do any harm)

Now that's where you're wrong, do a search on the engines forum for details on the RV8 oil pick up

Of course you should be OK but it's important to follow the right instructions (see the bible)

[jessica]

never ever mix mineral oil and sythetic.it will bugger yer engine.goes all sticky.

Mobil 1 is the best 15/50.I fyou canot find it in Halfords then get down to your local TVR garage and ask them to sell you some.

[ian187]

Just as a thought, my original question being how do I know what oil I've got?

The main prob is obviously not to mix mineral and synthetic, so how can I tell?

Could I:
take some of my existing oil and mix it with equal part mineral oil (see what happens) and then do the same with synthetic oil. I presume one of these will go all goey and nasty, thus showing me which is which?

or will I not notice the difference in a jam jar full of oil?