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!
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.
"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...
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?
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.
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??
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.
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
for you 20/50 guys I spotted this yesterday at B+Q! http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/car-main...neral/Carlube-Daytona-20W50-Motor-Oil-9217985
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??