Castrol 5W40 Syntec opinions

[Judd]

I tried a search but there isn't alot of info on the Castrol 5W40 Syntec. I know the 0W30 is getting great reviews but I will be using this in my Yamaha R1. The bike sees hard usage on the street and I use it for track days and I wanted something with a smidge more viscosity than the 0W30. Was wanting to run 5W40 M1 but could not find any at the time.

Is the 5W40 in the same class as the 0W30 or is it like the rest of the Syntec line?

 

[Dr. T]

Shouldn't you be looking to use motorcycle oil???

 

[JAG]

I used it once in an engine (VW 1.8T) that seems to do best on an oil that remains a 40 weight throughout its use. It was sluggish at first, then not sluggish later, so it seemed to shear quite a bit. I've seen a few used oil analysis too that shows it shears down to a 30-weight in engines known for that. I know the 5W-40 is more volatile too so it likely has a thinner base but uses viscosity index improvers to achieve its virgin 40-weight status - either that or its basestocks aren't as high quality as GC's. So I don't think you should use this oil for your application. Either use GC or Syntec 5W-50 or some other oil (how about a mix of Mobil 1 15W-50 and Mobil 1 10w30?).

 

[pbm]

I agree with JAG about using 5w50 Syntec or even Syntec 10w40. The 10w40 is supposed to be very good oil.

 

[GMorg]

There are at least two versions of Castrol 5W40. Some of it is Belgium made and is likely PAO based. Some if it US made and since is says that it is to be sold only in the Americas, I think that is likely GroupIII. I don't think that either have been severely evaluated here. The Belgium made stuff says made in Belgium on the back. In the "GC&Euro/Import" section it will be called "BC" for Belgium Castrol". It seems to be liked among the "elvish folk". I think that the jury is still out for both though oils though.

 

[the_oil_dealer]

its an outstanding oil. the 5w will be nice for when you dont get these engines entirely hot before romping on em. use a little vsot and youre laughing

 

[q2bruiser]

Why not use a good motorcycle oil? They are formululated with different add packs for wet clutches, etc and over all are a better choice.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

There must be a deal on this oil.

 

[racer12306]

I just changed the oil on my fiances beetle with some syntec 5w40 (gotta love price matching at autozone). I know in the past this autozone had the belgium made stuff but now the bottles say "Superior European formula now blended in the U.S.A." It is API SL/SJ/CF; VW 502.00, 505.00; ACEA A3,B3,B4; BMW LONGLIFE-98; MB 229.1, 229.3; GM-LL-B-025 and Porsche approved. The code on the bottle appears to be A0605221316 A4, if that means anything.

Any thoughts.

 

[speedtc]

Just use motorcycle oil!