Shell Helix Ultra

[Will]

Do we have anyone using Shell Helix Ultra 5W -40 or 5W-30 in their D3 TDV6?
If so can I get some feed back please?

I have made contact with Shell over the phone for technical assistance and they have recommended the 5W - 40 as being a better alternative for Australian conditions, but stated that either is acceptable. When towing a van was mentioned they stated definitely use the 5W-40.

[rick130]

Not trying to be a smart arse, but unless people are doing used oil analysis or tearing engines down to measure wear, what sort of info would you be after ?

Bottom line is what are the specs that the manufacturer calls for and is the oil approved or meet the relevant specs ?

[TDV6]

Tha locar LR service team uses 0W40 on all regardless of year manufactured. I think the official LR line is 5W30 for 05-06 years and 0W40 for the rest.

I have only asked at two LR garages and one other, but all say 0w40 would be much better for Oz conditions. The 0 being for the initial engine start and the 40 for the higher Australian temperatures.

HTH,

Ryall

[rick130]

Tha locar LR service team uses 0W40 on all regardless of year manufactured. I think the official LR line is 5W30 for 05-06 years and 0W40 for the rest.

I have only asked at two LR garages and one other, but all say 0w40 would be much better for Oz conditions. The 0 being for the initial engine start and the 40 for the higher Australian temperatures.

HTH,

Ryall

At any temp ever experienced in Australia you will see very little to no difference in actual viscosity at start up between a 0W, 5W and more than likely (depending on the viscosity index) a 10W-x oil.

[rick130]

In the UK Shell recommend Helix F 5W-30 for all models.
Shell Australia recommend Helix Ultra 5W-40 or Helix Plus 10W-40

Castrol UK recommend Edge Turbo Diesel 0W-30 or Magnatec 5W-30 for all models.
Castrol Australia recommend Edge Sport 5W-30 or Edge Sport 0W-40 for '05-'07 models and
Edge Sport 0W-40 for '07-'09 models.

Caltex Australia recommends Havoline Synthetic 5W-40 for '05-'07 and Havoline Synthetic C3 5W-30 for '07-'09.
Can't find out what Texaco UK recommend ATM.

Mobil Australia recommend Mobil 1 0W-40 or Mobil Super FE Special 5W-30 for '05-'06 and
Mobil Super FE Special 5W-30 for '07-'09 models.

The Super FE SPecial had me intrigued, here is the PDS Mobil Super FE Special 5W-30 (http://www.mobil.com/Australia-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil_Super_FE_Special_5W-30.asp)
It's formulated especially to meet Ford WSS-M2C913-A andM2C913-B specifications.

It looks like the TDV6 engine is designed around an xW-30 oil, but an xW-40 would be OK too.
I have little faith in workshops when it comes to lubricant selection, they really don't know that much whereas the factory spends untold thousands of hours testing in the greatest extremes imaginable.

I'd use either with confidence, the xW-30's will give slightly better fuel economy without any loss of protection.
Oil temperature should never really be an issue as long as coolant temps are OK. I'm guessing the TDV6 uses an oil/water heat exchanger like most diesels so the oil temp should be stable, regardless of ambient or load.

[Will]

Many thanks for the replies and suggestions. I feel I can now go out with confidence and try 'bargaining' with some of the suppliers in order to get the correct oil at the best price. At least much better than Landrover charge.