Which is better - 2.25 petrol or 2.25 diesel?

**Cap** · 21st December 2020, 07:23 AM

I had an interesting discussion with a friend that has the 2.25p. We both have 2a 88s... On the same roads (we took a evening drive) he said he needed to shift constantly (twisty roads) using 2nd and 3rd gears, whilst I was basically on 3rd most times. The diesel has some great torque range, and makes for a lazy shifter, its like driving an auto. Whilst I have not driven his 2.25p as yet, and he hasnt driven mine, it was interesting that he said he hasnt got that range of torque.

We also discussed fuel economy and he said he would be on average around 25/100! I told him on my initial calcs that I was about 12/100 or less. However, going up hills I seem to run out of steam a bit, but again cant compare to petrol just yet.

Of course I am biased as I am a diesel guy, I have two 300tdi discos also

**mick88** · 26th December 2020, 07:57 AM

How's the 2.25 Diesel's for noise?
I am partial to petrol engines in the series vehicles.

Cheers, Mick.

**JDNSW** · 27th December 2020, 07:09 AM

Noise is not really the issue - vibration, especially at idle is. (And, of course, this rattles everything loose on the vehicle). But you won't tell the difference in engine noise over the wind and tyre noise at road speeds anyway.

**whitehillbilly64** · 2nd January 2021, 10:38 AM

What engine oil for a 2 1/4 Diesel ?
Same as my S3 petrol, which I use Castrol 20/50 when on special at Autobarn/Super Cheap.
Or do I need something 'special' ?
Thanks.

whitehillbilly

**67hardtop** · 2nd January 2021, 12:01 PM

I use Castrol rx super 15w40 diesel oil.

**101RRS** · 2nd January 2021, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by whitehillbilly64

Same as my S3 petrol, which I use Castrol 20/50

For a new engine or one that is in good condition, in my view 50wt is too heavy - better with 40wt - different in an older engine that is starting to get a bit smokey and rattly.

**whitehillbilly64** · 2nd January 2021, 03:10 PM

Its in a 75 S3 109, sitting for many years with no fuel cap.
Managed to fire it up after cleaning fuel tank, sedimentor, rebuilt lift pump, new fuel filter.
Think I should give it a oil change. Have a few ltrs of 20/50 hence the question.
So I must use a diesel oil ? Or would the Castrol 20/50 mineral oil be ok to run it on.
Thanks for you comments. Here and else where.

whitehillbilly

**gromit** · 2nd January 2021, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by 101RRS

For a new engine or one that is in good condition, in my view 50wt is too heavy - better with 40wt - different in an older engine that is starting to get a bit smokey and rattly.

I think 20W50 would have been used in period, possibly individual oils for summer & winter would have been specified.
Added to this the viscosity numbers have a tolerance so a 40 from one manufacturer and a 50 from another could be very similar if the 40 is at the high end and he 50 at the low end.
I'm running all mine on Castrol 20/50, cheap at Kmart although their automotive section seems to be getting smaller & smaller.

Originally Posted by whitehillbilly64

So I must use a diesel oil ? Or would the Castrol 20/50 mineral oil be ok to run it on.

From memory Diesel oils contain more detergents although talking to an oil blender some years back I found that earlier diesel oils contained less detergent.
Shouldn't be a problem running on 20W50.
Penrite suggest it isn't a problem as long as the oil meets the spec. for the engine.
Knowledge Centre | Penrite Oil

Being so old the spec. of any modern 20W50 will be higher than originally specified.

Colin

**whitehillbilly64** · 2nd January 2021, 07:05 PM

Thanks Colin.
Repco has the filter. Thought was a different type as per the 2.6 Rover, but looks common to the S3, Short fat type not long skinny.
Probably not politically correct.
As for starting a Diesel, are glowing the plugs like a choke on the petrol ? Or does the system have a 'running rich to start' function on the pump ?
Not had anything to do with Diesel motors before, even though the old man was a Diesel fitter in the UK RAF.
Another 'strange' question. Why would you use 'start ya bastard' on a Diesel Engine ????
Thanks.

whitehillbilly

**Lionelgee** · 2nd January 2021, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by whitehillbilly64

Thanks Colin.

Not had anything to do with Diesel motors before, even though the old man was a Diesel fitter in the UK RAF.
Another 'strange' question.

whitehillbilly

Hello WhiteBilly,

One of those - "it depends" answers in relation to the diesel engine start up. My long wheel base 2.25 litre Series 3 diesel needs the glow plugs for the first start of the day. After that it starts straight away for any restarts - without the glow plug stage. I also have a Series 2A which a previous owner fitted an early 1B Toyota diesel into. Even in the middle of a Queensland summer it needs glow plugs to start or for any restarts later in the day.

Kind regards
Lionel

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