Newb here, with a question

[durtydiesel]

Hi, I just signed up, and I must say this website is a goldmine.

I own 3 Volkswagens (yes I know, sucker found) 2 diesel, and 1 gas. When it comes to the diesel syn oils I'm fairley well rounded, I've done my reasearch and have been working with these engines for quite a few years now.On the other hand when it comes to the gas side of things, I haven't spent alot of time (until I recently came across this site) dwelling on, or caring about, the optimum oil to use in my 2.0 ABA 8v. I currently run M1 5W30 supersyn in it, which I thought, until I found this site, was the best 5W30 gas synthtic money could buy. Scrolling through the forums, I've read quite abit of bad press, which has got me second guessing whether I'm wasting my money or not. I know this website isn't about promoting any specific brand of oil, but about gathering as much info as one can to make an informed decision. So I'm throwing out this question to you guys, what alternatives do I have to M1, that will give me more bang for buck. Thanks

 

[MaxPilot]

What are you talking "quite a bit of bad press"? M1 has great UOA's. If you want a syn, I don't think you are wasting your money with M1.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Does VW spell out a specification of oil to use in the 2.0 ABA 8v?? If so that is what you need to look for first and foremost.

 

[Ron AKA]

I see you are from Canada,

and as such I think you have some good alternatives to M1. However, M1 is a good oil and the only question is whether or not you can get equal or better for the same money. My only issue with M1 is that they are very vague as to what is really in it. So here are a few to consider in Canada:

M1 - Potentially the best, but not by much if at all. Equal or higher in price, but readily available

Pennzoil Platinum - Probably nearly as good, but unfortunately often is priced the same as M1 once you true up for liter vs US qt. Poorer low temp performance than other choices (including M1).

Esso XD-3 - Some swear by this and it would likely work for both your diesels and gas engines if standardizing is attractive. It is also relatively cheap at bulk dealers. I think it has too many additives for a gas engine, poorer low temp performance than other alternatives, and does not meet most warranty requirements for gas engines. Potentially may poison your cat conveter.

Petro Canada Synthetic - In my opinion at least equal to M1 in performance, and better priced if you get it from a bulk dealer. The 0w30 seems to be even better priced.

Tech 2000 (Walmart) - Potentially is the same as the PetroCan synthetic. I found that it has no other obvious match for manufacturer.

Castrol 0w30 - Also known as GC (German Castrol) has a cult following. It is readily available in Canada (CTC, PartSource), but at a high cost - more than M1. I think it is too heavy and will perform more like a 5w30 at low temps. In any case not worth the premium price in my view.

Here are some comparisions of specs I made a while back:

 

[durtydiesel]

Thanks for the info Ron, much appreciated

. The 2.0 ABA calls for the VW 502 spec, I ended up finding some GC Gold at Canadian tire on sale, so I decided after reading all the good press on here about it, and the fact that it meets the VW 502 spec, to give it a try.

Quote:

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Esso XD-3 - Some swear by this and it would likely work for both your diesels and gas engines if standardizing is attractive

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I actually use the XD-4 in my 87 TD, and for the price it works quite well. I use the uber Liquimoly 5w40 in my 98 TDI, only because I've been using it for thousands and thousands of km's and it has keep the inside of my motor spotless.

Quote:

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Petro Canada Synthetic - In my opinion at least equal to M1 in performance, and better priced if you get it from a bulk dealer. The 0w30 seems to be even better priced.

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I too have heard very good things about the petro stuff, but unless I bought it in very large quantities it wasn't cost effective at all.


I honestly can't say mobil 1 did me wrong, my motivation for the switch came after reading through numerous UOA's on M1, and seeing other ( sometimes alot cheaper ) oils doing as good or better. I guess I had really high expectations of M1. I'll see how well the GC does, and who knows I may even switch back someday.

PS: I've been reading mostly US UOA's on the GC, and they seem to run it their motors for almost 10,000 , how many KM's are us Canadians leaving this stuff in for ?????

Thansk for all the help guys

 

[Ron AKA]

I have always changed at 5,000 km regardless of oil used. I'm going to be brave and push my new Mazda out to 8,000 km but no more. I don't believe in circulating dirt around in my engine, and pushing the limits of the oil. I guess others find it a challenge.