Thread: TD5 Oil ?

You will be better off to use a full synthetic oil that is all that is available in the 5W/30-50 requirement. The oils are dearer and I still change mine every 5000kms. I had been using Castrol FormulaR 5W/40 synthetic, but as it has seemed to have jumped from around $52 for 5 litres up to $78 I am looking at alternatives. You can use BP Visco 5000 5W/40 at around $38 for 5litres or $129 for 20 litres, BP GF-2 5W/30, Castrol Formula R 5W/40, Castrol Softec plus 5W/30, Valvoline Synpower 5W/40 synthetic or Penrite HPR Diesel5 5W/40. These are the only ones I have been able to find and vary in price from around $35-$78 per 5 litres. Remember as the TD5 requires 8.2 litres per oil change you will be far better off buying 20 litres at a time and saving. There is a rumour going around that Rover will not honour their warranty if anything other than Castrol FormulaR synthetic is used in the engine. This is a load of garbage as completely different oils are used around the world, and would breach most states fair trading policies. I know they do recommend Castrol in Australia, but as long as the correct viscosity is used they can not dishonour. If any dealers or mechanics tell you you have to use Castrol give them a glass of each oil and ask them to drink them and tell you the difference. The required oil ranges are in the front of your manual and as long as you are in this range you are OK. Hope this helps. I probablly will be using BP VIsco 5000, may try and get some prices on Valvoline etc :roll: first.

Lub oil is a passion of mine, being a marine engineer I have considerable experience with diesel engines and various types of lube oil. Some high speed diesel engine manufaturers will attempt to convince you that synthetic oil is the way to go and the answer to all evils. The truth is the the use of synthetics can cure the symptom but not the desiese. In my experience some high speed diesel engine manufatures will insist on operators using synthetic oils to eradicate such things as bore polishing, when engine design is at fault! I could write a book!
The use of a good quality lube oil will serve just as good with a regualr change out, even the old CD base (series 3 to us old codgers), if used and changed regularly it will suffice. Modern oils have a variety of packages hidden within, some good , some not so good and all dependent upon servie conditions.
Turbo charged engines because high MEP's require the use of high grade lube oils, at least CG4, look on the can it will describe the contents of the oil. Most have packages to combate bore polishing, wear, cold starting, and various other functions. Fact of the matter is Synthetics have a role but not in day to day running of 200, 300tdi's and or TD5's.

Perhpas this will stimulate debate from those who maybe have an equal passion!!

Shifter.