recommendations for engine oil

[bald_man]

I'm about to do a complete fluid change on my mk2.

I was wondering what oil to use, modern oils seem to have very low viscosity levels so I would think they are quite thin oils.. or am I wring here.

Engine is well run in at around 70k miles.

[DJT]

I have no hesitation recommending this: https://www.classic-oils.net/Classic...Heritage-20W50 It has the correct viscosity and high ZDDP levels to protect the flat tappets of the TV8.

[Floyd]

For the last 10 years I’ve been using valvoline VR1 as it was recommended by a triumph specialist because of its high zinc content.
ps how was the auto jumble?

[wilf]

It seems that, in Europe at least, the ZDDP content of VR1 has been reduced, hence the current recommendations for oils that specify "full ZDDP" or actually quote a figure for it, which Valvoline will not do.

[Motorsport Micky]

For the last 10 years I’ve been using valvoline VR1 as it was recommended by a triumph specialist because of its high zinc content.
ps how was the auto jumble?

Valvoline now makes it difficult ( nobody can find it) to find out what level of zinc in ZDDP content, is in VR 1 oil that is sold in Europe.

They do quote it is suitable for cars with catalytic converters... which is a worry, because the original levels of of zinc killed the catalyst converters which is why oil companies have reduced the levels to allow their oil to be used in a larger market. The VR1 sold in the US still quotes their Zinc levels as being 1400 ppm in ZDDP content which is it’s previous incantation, they also specify NOT to be used in cars with catalysts...see the drift.

I also use the Classic Oils Heritage 20-50 as specified above, it is one of the few oil companies who confirm on their packaging the Zinc content which is at 1300ppm in ZDDP content.
If you use the search facility you’ll find pages of threads and posts covering this from the last 6 months back to 5 or 6 years ago.

Micky

[singapore stag]

I have been using Valvoline Vr1 for the past 12 years, but now have opted for Millers Classic Sports. Will see how it performs, has got good reviews on the Forum. (Semi synthetic)

Having said that, the Heritage 20W50 is a good oil also. It goes for far as to mention the ZDDP levels, which in it self is a plus.

[jbuckl]

Use 20/50 with 1300 ppm zddp.
no need to pay more than £25 for 5 litres.
if you buy 25 litres it’s less than £70.
rye oils or smith allen . Avoid mannoil as there is a court case ongoing for selling not compliant with quoted specs.
as previously mentioned zr1 from valvoline was the favourite but they no longer confirm the spec in Europe, to their detriment probably.
Other makes are available but often overpriced/ over marketed.

[DMT]

I recently bought 20L of Castrol Classic XL 20/50. I was planning to replace the oil annually. Will the Castrol.be OK?

Dave

[marshman]

I recently bought 20L of Castrol Classic XL 20/50. I was planning to replace the oil annually. Will the Castrol.be OK?

Dave

If ZDDP levels concern you then they are a bit on the low side, quoted as 800ppm.

https://www.classic-oils.net/Castrol-XL-20w-50

Low mileage and annual changes you will probably be OK. After that look at the oil specs before buying.

As Julian said Rye Oils do 25 litres for £66 delivered: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272057337351

That is what I am currently using in all my old cars.

[Motorsport Micky]

There are quite a few “ budget” oils you can access amongst them the Halfords Classic 20-50 and Comma 20-50 which are believed to be the same oil oil marketed differently. But their Zinc content in ZDDP is shown as 800 ppm whereas the Classic Oils Heritage 20-50 at 1300ppm for Zinc was about the same money. No brainier.

Micky

[DMT]

Thanks Gents.

[singapore stag]

I am going to stock up on this, like said....no brainer.
Rye Oils do 25 litres for £66 delivered: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272057337351.
Incidentally, how long does oil last if stored, meaning, has it got a shelf life?

[jbuckl]

5 years if kept sealed, dry & no extreme temperatures