sort of oil question so get the popcorn out

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by rickyrooo1, Nov 25, 2013.

  1. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    my van is type 4 engine and hydraulic lifters i've always used semi synthetic 10w 40 oil but i'm toying with going over to 15w 40 mineral (unless 20/50 is better?) Will everyone die? Partly asking 'cos i'm thinking 10w is too thin? So i'm not asking what oil you use, moreso pro's and con's for changing my type.
    as mike reid used to say....GGGGGGGGGGGG GO!
     
  2. Razzyh

    Razzyh Supporter

    Over 20,000 threads and now you ask :rolleyes:

    I suspect @Paul Weeding is the person to ask
     
  3. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    moreso asking for pros and cons, i change my oil and filter every december and it seems a waste of "expensive" oil using semi synth.
     
  4. "10" is the grade when it's cold. "40" is the grade when it's hot, which is what you're interested in. So...they're both the same...
     
  5. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    eh?
     
  6. When hot, 10W/40 is the same thickness as 15W/40.
     
  7. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    and 20/50?
    basically then i'll rephrase - am i wasting my money putting 10/40 semi in a hydraulic lifter engine? is 20/50 too thick?
     
  8. In my view, yes. These engines, even type 4s, have the complexity of a wheelbarrow.
     
    Lasty likes this.
  9. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    yes to which question....
    is 20/50 too thick
     
  10. it gets stuck in your teeth
     
  11. If you haven't had problems with oil pressure and your hydraulic tappets don't sound like a flamenco dancer on amphetamines, stick with 40 grade. Mineral is cheaper than semi-synth.
     
    rickyrooo1 likes this.
  12. theBusmonkey

    theBusmonkey Sponsor

    In my not very mechanical opinion 20/50 has always worked well with the GE lump in my bus. I change the oil every 3000 miles regardless. Maybe that's the key & with the synthetics you don't have to change so regularly.
    20/50 is relatively inexpensive & I try & use a known brand such as Morris or Commer Premium API CC grade.
    However, we do a fair amount of warmer driving & not so much winter UK driving.
    I change the oil regularly mainly to ensure the hydraulic tappets are fed with clean stuff.
    I know @Paul Weeding said 10/40 is the best for type IV's & am in a quandry whether to change over. On balance we've done over 30k miles at all altitudes and in temps from −5 to +50 so I think I'll stay with 20/50 until we have a rebuild??
     
  13. Sounds about right. I'm told 50 grade is a bit thick for a new engine, but sounds like yours is well worn.

    Re brands: buy the cheapest you can. If they state it conforms to a specific standard, it must, irrespective of the name on the can.
     
  14. 15w/40 in my 2ltr type 4 this year and she never missed a beat.
     
  15. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    don't get me wrong, i've no problems with 10/40 semi but with changing it so regular and it being dearer i thought i'd ask
     
  16. 20/50 is a touch too thick for a hydro engine... Unless it's really worn!!

    Ricky, do your lifters clatter like a bag of spanners??
     
  17. How often are you changing your oil??
     
  18. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

  19. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    yeah they are a tad noisy paul
     

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