Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: oilman on 14 May 2008, 13:48:10

Title: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 14 May 2008, 13:48:10
I get asked many questions about oil so I thought a thread here for all oil related questions would be a good idea and build into a FAQ or reference point for others.

So, put your oil questions here but please give the following information if you would like a recommendation:

Make
Model
Year
Engine size/type

Any mods

Type of use (road/track)

Additional info (max oil temps, current oil used)

What do you want a recommendation for? Engine, Gearbox etc?

I hope this will help and become a useful thread

Regards
Guy
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: MickAP on 14 May 2008, 13:59:08
Just a gear oil question really.
Should I be changing my gear oil (manual box) as now I have done over 100,000 miles, or is it not necessary? If so which oil?
Omega 2.5TD
Year....2000

Mick
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 14 May 2008, 14:07:08
If you plan to keep the car then no harm in putting some fresh oil in it, peace of mind and all.

Oil wise it takes a 75w oil, have a look at the Fuchs Titan Sintofluid.

Cheers

Guy.
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: ians on 14 May 2008, 16:49:52
I thought the manual boxes took a very particular Vx oil (and which changed over the years)... :-/
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 14 May 2008, 17:00:35
Quote
I thought the manual boxes took a very particular Vx oil (and which changed over the years)... :-/


Yes but, we managed to 'discover' the type of oil it was  :y
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: ians on 14 May 2008, 17:10:51
So is Sintofluid the latest one?   Any reason to go for this over the Vx badged one?

Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 14 May 2008, 17:22:19
Quote
So is Sintofluid the latest one?   Any reason to go for this over the Vx badged one?


Nope but the Sintofluid/Sintopoid is suitable.

What did you chaps find out about the original stuff.

Cheers

Guy.
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 14 May 2008, 17:41:13
Quote
Quote
So is Sintofluid the latest one?   Any reason to go for this over the Vx badged one?


Nope but the Sintofluid/Sintopoid is suitable.

What did you chaps find out about the original stuff.

Cheers

Guy.

The latest stuff is:

SAE75W-85 API GL4

Originally they apparantly used a basic mineral version but changed it twice until settling on a fully synth to overcome cold shift issues.
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: MickAP on 14 May 2008, 18:30:40
Quote
Quote
Quote
So is Sintofluid the latest one?   Any reason to go for this over the Vx badged one?


Nope but the Sintofluid/Sintopoid is suitable.

What did you chaps find out about the original stuff.

Cheers

Guy.

The latest stuff is:

SAE75W-85 API GL4

Originally they apparantly used a basic mineral version but changed it twice until settling on a fully synth to overcome cold shift issues.

That's why I was thinking of changing mine.

Mick
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 15 May 2008, 10:01:17
Quote
Quote
Quote
So is Sintofluid the latest one?   Any reason to go for this over the Vx badged one?


Nope but the Sintofluid/Sintopoid is suitable.

What did you chaps find out about the original stuff.

Cheers

Guy.

The latest stuff is:

SAE75W-85 API GL4

Originally they apparantly used a basic mineral version but changed it twice until settling on a fully synth to overcome cold shift issues.

Yep thats what I cam up with.

The Fuchs is a fine alternative, as is Castrol SMX-S and a few others.

Cheers

Guy.
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: bappy on 15 May 2008, 13:02:14
I have a 1999 X30XE (mv6 saloon) with a non-standard exhaust. I do lots and lots of country road driving so the engine gets a good amount of revving (I'll probly touch 3500 or 4000 revs each time I take it out)

The local branch of camberly autofactors say I should use a half decent 15w 40 semi (they want to sell me their comma branded stuff)

Last time I changed the oil I used Castrol Magnatec 15/40 which I dont think was too good an idea as it seemed to cause tappet rattle after about 4000 miles.

I changed it with a (thinner?)  10w 40 again castrol magnatec coz it was on special offer. that cured the tappet noise after a couple of hundred miles

I've heard people really bad mouth magnatec saying magnetic oil is a really bad idea as it keeps any metal dust in suspension instead of letting it sink to the bottom of the sump.

The fact that a thick magnatec seems to have caused tappet rattle would support that idea but I would like to know what brand/grade/type of oil and filter (cartridge type) is best suited to my engine and how I drive.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 15 May 2008, 16:33:44
The trouble with the Magnatec is it is over priced for what it is. 15w-40 oils are not semi synthetic but basic mineral multigrades. The reason the tappet noise dissapeared some because the 10w-40 flows better then 15w-40 when cold and is better quality being a semi synthetic.

If you want to go all out you could use a 5w-40 synthetic.

Cheers

Guy.
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: Cheshley on 15 May 2008, 19:43:58
Hiya,

what's the general opinion of friction reducing treatments such as ZX1?  

Also, what would be the best engine oil to put in my standard (possibly soon to be chipped) 1998 2.5TD (beemer engine)?  I don't do anything out of the ordinary in it but I do get a bit heavy-footed from time to time.  It's a bit of a shed but I really like it and would like to treat it with a bit of respect.  It's currently got whatever engine oil my mechanic put in it last time he looked it over so I can't say for sure what it is but as he's always asking me if I wanna sell it to him I think he'll have put something half-decent in it!!!!

Thanks
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: 106rallye on 15 May 2008, 20:38:40
Diff oil:


I have a OEM LSD in my MV6. The plates are getting a little worn and im planning on getting them changed in a few months, so in the mean time i changed the oil to a non LSD oil because of the theory that LSD oils have a "slipping" additive in order to give a smoother ride, however as the locking is more important, i went with a non LSD oil. I am aware that the plates will wear out quicker, but as im planning on rebuilding the diff soon, that doesn't bother me. Is there any other reason that i should be using the "correct" oil?
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 26 June 2008, 15:14:03
Hi Guys,

Anyone else need an oil recommendation?

Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: BruceT on 26 June 2008, 15:34:46
I wouldnt mind having my gearbox oil changed as when cold I get a stiff shifting from 1st to 2nd followed by a clunk mid change.
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 26 June 2008, 16:39:49
The requirement is a 75w gear oil

Cheers
Guy
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 26 June 2008, 16:50:38
Guy, what would be the optimum oil for the manual gearbox that you offer and would it be a fully synth?
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 26 June 2008, 16:52:21
A few other questions.

The autobox requires DexIII on the Omega, is there anything to be gained by using a higher spec oil and if so what?

Also, the power steering uses DexII, again is there anything better than this?
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 26 June 2008, 16:56:45
Quote
Guy, what would be the optimum oil for the manual gearbox that you offer and would it be a fully synth?

The 75w's here are pretty good tbh, all synthetic if I recall

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-668-75w.aspx

Cheers
Guy
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 26 June 2008, 16:58:27
Quote
A few other questions.

The autobox requires DexIII on the Omega, is there anything to be gained by using a higher spec oil and if so what?

Also, the power steering uses DexII, again is there anything better than this?

The specs are pretty universal, there are some synthetic ones on the market which are better, take a look here.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-767-dexron.aspx

Cheers
Guy

Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: Pitchfork on 26 June 2008, 18:48:30
Diesels!
What is the difference between an oil intended for petrol engines & those specifically formulated for a Diesel?
Is Comma 10W-40 Diesel any good, that's what been put in mine last service
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 26 June 2008, 19:09:00
You need to look at the can for the specs below as most oils cover both petrol and diesel specs ie ACEA A3/B3

A1 Fuel economy petrol
A2 Standard performance level (now obsolete)
A3 High performance and/or extended drain
A4 Reserved for future use in certain direct injection engines
A5 Combines A1 fuel economy with A3 performance

B1 Fuel economy diesel
B2 Standard performance level (now obsolete)
B3 High performance and/or extended drain
B4 For direct injection car diesel engines
B5 Combines B1 fuel economy with B3/B4 performance

C1-04 Petrol and Light duty Diesel engines, based on A5/B5-04 low SAPS, two way catalyst compatible.
C2-04 Petrol and light duty Diesel engines, based on A5/B5-04 mid SAPS, two way catalyst compatible.
C3-04 Petrol and light duty Diesel engines, based on A5/B5-04 mid SAPS, two way catalyst compatible, Higher performance levels due to higher HTHS.

Note: SAPS = Sulphated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulphur.

Put simply, A3/B3, A5/B5 and C3 oils are the better quality, stay in grade performance oils.


Cheers
Guy
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 05 January 2009, 14:07:32
Any advice on oil required, please feel free to ask as I can help you

You will also find some useful info on my website here

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/oil-and-filter-service-pack-vauxhall.aspx

All the best for 2009

Cheers
Guy
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: Omegatoy on 05 January 2009, 19:43:52
Hmm,
Glad you here to offer advice Guy, so would you recommend an ester based oil for a diesel? or would that be a bit of overkill??
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 02 April 2009, 09:56:18
Anyone else for some oil advice? Feel free to ask.
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 05 December 2013, 16:52:35
Hi,

Until midnight Sunday we have a 20% SALE on our website (http://www.opieoils.co.uk) with voucher code SALE20

If you need any oil advice then we are here to help! You can contact us here, alternatively give us a call on 01209 202944 Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm or send us an email to sales@opieoils.co.uk

Cheers

Oilman
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 14 January 2014, 15:04:36
Feel free to contact us here for any oil recommendations or any oil related questions you may have.

Alternatively complete our oil recommendation form (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/frmRecommendAnOil.aspx) and we will get back to you asap. You can also give us a call on 01209 202949 Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm or just drop us an email to sales@opieoils.co.uk

Cheers

oilman
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: tunnie on 14 January 2014, 16:35:59
Just sent one for my bike (BMW R1200 GS)

I think it can use GM's 10/40 Semi, as I can get it in large amounts at good value.

Very interested in transmission fluid as could do with a change I think  :)
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 25 March 2014, 17:06:26
Feel free to contact us here for any oil recommendations or any oil related questions you may have.

Alternatively complete our oil recommendation form (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/frmRecommendAnOil.aspx) and we will get back to you asap. You can also give us a call on 01209 202949 Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm or just drop us an email to sales@opieoils.co.uk

Cheers

oilman
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: chrisgixer on 26 March 2014, 22:07:35
Any idea who supplies oil to gm? Just wondered. :)
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: cd 2.2 on 27 March 2014, 00:27:47
You need to look at the can for the specs below as most oils cover both petrol and diesel specs ie ACEA A3/B3

A1 Fuel economy petrol
A2 Standard performance level (now obsolete)
A3 High performance and/or extended drain
A4 Reserved for future use in certain direct injection engines
A5 Combines A1 fuel economy with A3 performance

B1 Fuel economy diesel
B2 Standard performance level (now obsolete)
B3 High performance and/or extended drain
B4 For direct injection car diesel engines
B5 Combines B1 fuel economy with B3/B4 performance

C1-04 Petrol and Light duty Diesel engines, based on A5/B5-04 low SAPS, two way catalyst compatible.
C2-04 Petrol and light duty Diesel engines, based on A5/B5-04 mid SAPS, two way catalyst compatible.
C3-04 Petrol and light duty Diesel engines, based on A5/B5-04 mid SAPS, two way catalyst compatible, Higher performance levels due to higher HTHS.

Note: SAPS = Sulphated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulphur.

Put simply, A3/B3, A5/B5 and C3 oils are the better quality, stay in grade performance oils.


Cheers
Guy

This is an interesting bit of information that I'm happy to have at hand!
You never get told what the grade of the oil is when you buy it only that it's 10/40 and so on.  This is very helpful to know  :y
The oil I use specifies on the bottle A3, B3, B4  and it also states that it's   API SN/CF (I think that's a good thing)
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 09 April 2014, 10:43:13
Hi Folks,

Need help with engine oil, spark plugs, gear oil, filters. It doesn’t matter if it has been modified, or even a classic car, the team at Opie Oils will help you find what you are looking for. Don't forget to;

Sign up for daily deals

(http://www.opieoils.co.uk/images/constant-contact/forum-9thjan-1.jpg) (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/frmDailyDeals.aspx)

Enter our latest Competition

(http://www.opieoils.co.uk/images/constant-contact/forum-spring-comp.jpg) (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/opie-oils-competition.aspx)

If you need any oil advice then we are here to help! You can contact us here, alternatively give us a call on 01209 202944 Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm or send us an email to sales@opieoils.co.uk

Cheers
Oilman
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: dbug on 09 April 2014, 21:52:17
Engine oil for '67 TR4A? - currently filled with Duckhams 20W50
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 25 April 2014, 11:59:02
If your need of any oil advice/recommendations then just ask us here and we will be happy to help.

Alternatively complete our oil recommendation form (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/frmRecommendAnOil.aspx). You can also give us a call on 01209 202949 Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm or just drop us an email to sales@opieoils.co.uk

Cheers

oilman
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 10 June 2014, 11:52:14
If you are struggling to find the right engine oil for your car, don't forget about our free oil advice.

All we need to know is

Make:
Model:
Year:
Engine type:
Performance modifications:
Driving style: (road / off-road / track etc)
Any other information that may be relevant: e.g. approx BHP if modified, oil temps if known

If you need help you can call us Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm on 01209 202944, email us at sales@opieoils.co.uk, or use our Recommendation form (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/frmRecommendAnOil.aspx), or just ask here.
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: chrisgixer on 10 June 2014, 12:55:07
If you are struggling to find the right engine oil for your car, don't forget about our free oil advice.

All we need to know is

Make:
Model:
Year:
Engine type:
Performance modifications:
Driving style: (road / off-road / track etc)
Any other information that may be relevant: e.g. approx BHP if modified, oil temps if known

If you need help you can call us Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm on 01209 202944, email us at sales@opieoils.co.uk, or use our Recommendation form (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/frmRecommendAnOil.aspx), or just ask here.


May I direct the honourable member to post 33. ::)
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: 05omegav6 on 10 June 2014, 12:59:38
Missed a trick earlier, someone was actually asking for a recommendation earlier on a different thread... oh well another sale missed ::)
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: chrisgixer on 10 June 2014, 13:05:14
I wonder what the honourable member suggests for my Mrs Lexus is300? Standard engine. Un-modified, one lady driver, gets an occasional thrashing now and then.

The car that is, not the lady ;D
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: biggriffin on 10 June 2014, 13:13:57
Gm 5/30 fully at guess would do(dexos) :)
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: chrisgixer on 10 June 2014, 13:20:40
Gm 5/30 fully at guess would do(dexos) :)
That's a very helpful reply in the help section Biggriffin. Thankyou. :y

I wonder if the oilman has a suggestion though. And will it be any cheaper than our usual tc outlet?

Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: biggriffin on 10 June 2014, 13:35:03
Gm 5/30 fully at guess would do(dexos) :)
That's a very helpful reply in the help section Biggriffin. Thankyou. :y

I wonder if the oilman has a suggestion though. And will it be any cheaper than our usual tc outlet?

kernow a long way, they still on dial-up. Wouldn't hold your breath for to long. :)
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: Stemo on 10 June 2014, 13:51:10
The man in kwik fit only uses the finest oils and lubricants on my vehicles, and then, if necessary, I top up using asda's own brand. :y
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: chrisgixer on 10 June 2014, 13:52:15
The man in kwik fit only uses the finest oils and lubricants on my vehicles, and then, if necessary, I top up using asda's own brand. :y

No surprise there at all ;D
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: biggriffin on 10 June 2014, 14:18:57
The man in kwik fit only uses the finest oils and lubricants on my vehicles, and then, if necessary, I top up using asda's own brand. :y

only the best for a gaywoo :) no expense spared.
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: Kevin Wood on 11 June 2014, 12:23:33
The man in kwik fit only uses the finest oils and lubricants on my vehicles me, and then, if necessary, I top up using asda's own brand. :y

 :o
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 27 June 2014, 14:57:10
If you’re in need of oil advice and recommendations then please just ask, we are happy to help. You can ask us here or by PM, drop us an email to sales@opieoils.co.uk or just give us a call this afternoon, we are here till 5.30pm.

It's a great time to buy from Opie Oils (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/), until midnight Sunday we are giving an additional 15% Off our already discounted prices on all engine oils (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-647-engine-oils-by-grade-viscosity.aspx) with voucher code 15OFF.

Cheers
- oilman
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: chrisgixer on 27 June 2014, 20:50:18
If your need of any oil advice/recommendations then just ask us here and we will be happy to help.

Alternatively complete our oil recommendation form (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/frmRecommendAnOil.aspx). You can also give us a call on 01209 202949 Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm or just drop us an email to sales@opieoils.co.uk

Cheers

oilman

I think the general idea on the forum is to have an open discussion so other members can learn from replies. It is the help section after all. Not the sale section. ::)....with gratuitous bumping thrown in.

I would still like a straight reply re the lexus, as your own suggestion,  you did say ask here. Your words, not mine. :)


So I'm asking here, as your suggestion. Would you honour me, and the other members who asked here, with a reply?

Thanks in advance. :)
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: 05omegav6 on 27 June 2014, 20:54:54
Good luck with that ;D
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: dbug on 27 June 2014, 22:14:37
If you are struggling to find the right engine oil for your car, don't forget about our free oil advice.

All we need to know is

Make:
Model:
Year:
Engine type:
Performance modifications:
Driving style: (road / off-road / track etc)
Any other information that may be relevant: e.g. approx BHP if modified, oil temps if known

If you need help you can call us Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm on 01209 202944, email us at sales@opieoils.co.uk, or use our Recommendation form (http://www.opieoils.co.uk/frmRecommendAnOil.aspx), or just ask here.


May I direct the honourable member to post 33. ::)

Engine oil for '67 TR4A? - currently filled with Duckhams 20W50

Still waiting . . . . . . . .  .

What about engine oil for a 1971 Ferrari  246 Dino GT ?

Will I get an answer to either enquiry?
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 10 July 2014, 15:16:57
Hi

Sorry for missing the replies here, it seems I didn't get the notifications for some reason

With the TR4A and Dino, have they been rebuilt at all?

Chrisgixer,

I would use a 5w-30 in the Lexus.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-653-5w-30.aspx

The best ones there are the Fuchs/Silkolene Pro S, Motul 300V, Mobil ESP, Castrol Edge, Shell Helix Ultra Extra, Millers XF, Fuchs GT1 and Red Line, but the Motul Eco-Energy, Mobil Super 3000, Shell Helix HX7 AF/AG and Fuchs XTR are good cheaper alternatives.

Cheers

Tim




Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: dbug on 12 July 2014, 00:03:29
Hi

Sorry for missing the replies here, it seems I didn't get the notifications for some reason

With the TR4A and Dino, have they been rebuilt at all?



TR4A - Engine rebuilt by me, all new shells (crank no wear), standard wet liners honed, pistons re-ringed.  Fast road cam shaft fitted.  Head gas flowed and ported, all valves ground in.  Fitted 2 x 2" SUs

Dino - Ferrari engine rebuilt by me to standard spec, new shells and rings, some head gas flowing, otherwise standard.  Fitted standard 3 x Weber 40 DCNFs
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 16 July 2014, 08:54:53
Hi

Sorry for the delay, our emails have been down for a couple of days.

The best choices, for both as they have been rebuilt, are the Fuchs Pro R in either 15w-50 or 20w-50 or Millers Classic High Performance, which are top end ester oils.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-68899-fuchs-titan-race-pro-r-15w-50-ester-synthetic-engine-oil.aspx
http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-69411-fuchs-titan-race-pro-r-20w-50-ester-synthetic-engine-oil.aspx
http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-77374-millers-oils-classic-high-performance-20w-50-nt-fully-synthetic-engine-oil.aspx

The Valvoline VR1, Millers Classic Sport and Classic, Castrol XL, Silkolene Silkolube and Motul Classic 20w-50 are good cheaper alternatives.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-661-20w-50.aspx

All of those have sufficiently high ZDDP contents (the Pro R actually has far higher ZDDP content than traditional classic oils).

Cheers

Tim
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: dbug on 16 July 2014, 22:03:12
Thanks for eventual reply - confirmed my thoughts re Silkolene Silkolube 20W50 (a suitable alternative as a Duckhams replacement) - but your discounted price for 5 litres @ £18.98 is rather expensive for this grade - can get significantly cheaper elsewhere ???
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: oilman on 17 July 2014, 09:15:14
You can get Silkolube cheaper or another 20w-50?

Cheers

Tim
Title: Re: Oil advice and recommendations here
Post by: dbug on 19 July 2014, 00:13:27
You can get Silkolube cheaper or another 20w-50?

Cheers

Tim
:y