[Vwdiesel] Oil recommendations?

[Tyler "Casioqv" Backman]

I suggest that the pour point is much more important than the other two
variables you discuss. If the flash point is 4 degrees higher, or the
volatility 2% higher is not a serious issue, but the fact that it flows
much better at low temperatures is very important. With 10w40 it takes
much longer for the oil pressure to build from a cold start (even in
warm weather), and also takes longer to actually start (cranks slower).
On my motor the oil light goes out in half the time with the 5w30. I
also like to go snow camping, etc. in the winter, and the lighter oil
can make the difference between starting and not starting at sub zero
temperatures. Overall, both oils have very very similar specifications,
but I don't mind paying a few dollars more/qt for oil that I will not
likely change before 30k miles (depending on how oil analysis turns
out). I have also become convinced (based on my own experience, that of
other people who have done similar things, and some scientific
experiments that have been done) that a thinner oil such as 5w30 reduces
oil consumtion significantly in a motor with good rings, seals, etc.
over a heavier oil such as 15w40 (but the effect doesn't seem to carry
for even lighter oils). I am not sure why this occurs, but I can almost
gurantee that you will experience less consumption with series 3000 than
with 15w40, despite the increased volatility. You say that your TDI has
zero oil consumption? I have heard of this with the TDI, but am not sure
how it occurs. How much time between oil changes? You don't notice any
drop at all on the dipstick even after 10k miles or so? My 1983 2.4
liter VW Turbo diesel engine loses about 1qt/4000 miles despite having
just been professionally rebuilt with top quality german components. The
older VW diesels seem to burn a little oil even when new, I don't see
how the new ones do not. Also, despite the fact that I am a amsoil
dealer, so far I have only sold oil at cost without making a profit,
because I became a dealer so me and my friends could save money on oil
for racing, etc. (but I may decide to start selling it in the future). I
have no profit motive for reccomending series 3000, or for using it
myself. Personally, I don't see why amsoil can't offer a 5w30 diesel oil
at the same price as the 15w40. I also don't see why they can't do the
four ball wear test under the same pressure, temperature, rpm, and
duration for both oils so they can be compared directly. I would be
tempted to use Mobil 1 5w30 that you can buy anywhere, but it doesn't
have the CG-4 rating, and Mobil doesn't seem to trust their product
enough to stand behind it and warranty against breaking down when used
with extended drain intervals.

-Tyler

TexasTDI wrote:
> Amsoil Series 3000 5w-30 Pour Point = -60F / -51C
> Amsoil 20w-50 Pour Point = -33F / -36C
>
> Amsoil Series 3000 5w-30 Flash Point = -60F / -51C
>
> Amsoil 20w-50 Flash Point = 457F / 236C
>
>
> Amsoil Series 3000 5w-30 Pour Point = -60F / -51C
>
> Amsoil 15w-40 pour point = -47F / -44C
>
>
> Amsoil Series 3000 5w-30 Flash Point = 446F / 230C
> Amsoil 15w-40 flash point is 453F / 234C
>
> Amsoil Series 3000 5w-30 Pour Point = -60F / -51C
> Amsoil 10w-40 pour point = -54F / -48C
>
> Amsoil Series 3000 5w-30 Flash Point = 446F / 230C
> Amsoil 10w-40 flash point = 450F / 232C
>
> Amsoil Series 3000 5w-30 Noak = 8.6%
> Amsoil 10w-40 Noak = 7%
> Amsoil 15w-40 Noak = 6.7%
> Amsoil 20w-50 Noak = 6.3%
>
> Obviously, Series 3000 will have the lowest pour point.  But it's dead last
> in every other category.  If you look at the specs on 15w-40, the oil I
> recommend, you'll see it has a very low pour point, the 2nd highest flash
> point of them all, and the 2nd lowest volatility of them all.  (I really
> don't recommend 20w-50 for diesels, I just wanted to add it's specs for
> reference)
>
> Volatization is a term used to describe what happens to a fluid as it is
> heated to the point it begins to "boil off." Upon reaching a certain
> temperature, oil will begin to lose some of its lighter weight molecules as
> they "boil off" and leave heavier weight molecules behind. Not only does
> this cause higher oil consumption, this process can also cause increased
> viscosity making the oil more difficult to circulate through the lubrication
> system.  In other words, the lower the NOAK number, the better.
>
>
> Unlike other Amsoil dealers that recommend their most expensive diesel oil
> out there to make a larger profit, I recommend an oil based on it's
> performance specifications.  Amsoil 15w-40 is a great performing oil at a
> cost of only $5.20 per quart / $20.50 per gallon vs. Series 3000's cost of
> $8.35 per quart / $31.55 per gallon.
>
> If you had a chipped TDI that you drove 80mph everyday on the highway, I'd
> recommend Series 3000 5w-30.  Because it's really designed for a high
> performance turbo diesel car that's run hard.  But keep in mind I do have a
> chipped TDI that I run hard on the highway, but I choose to use 15w-40.  And
> 15w-40 has performed flawlessly in both of my diesels.  No loss of fuel
> mileage vs. a 5w-40 oil and no oil consumption at all.
>
>
> Chris Thornton
> 1991 VW Jetta 2 Door 1.6 Diesel - 236k miles
> 2000 VW Golf 1.9TDI (turbo diesel) - 81k miles
> Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants Dealer #1098500
> http://www.amsoil.com
> http://texastdi.com/6/ubb.x