Oil for 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio? ZDDP?

[MaxF76]

I just picked up a 1997 Cabrio. 2.0 engine. 5 speed manual. 148k miles. Seems to run nicely (fun to drive with the manual.)

It's my first VW ever. I did a little googling regarding oil, and then decided to just come here and ask. What should I use?

VW seems to have their own specs for oil. This is under '502' (which includes 'approved' oils). If it's not necessary to use a 502 specific oil, I am fine with something else.

Questions...

1. Does this engine require an oil with boosted ZDDP?

2. It's been on conventional (previous owner just let the local quick lube place use whatever). If I switch to synthetic, what's the chance it starts leaking? I was thinking Mobil 0w-40 Euro spec (local Walmart has it). But, I can also use conventional, or other weights.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[RooflessVW]

Run Rotella T6 5W-40 and shine on, you crazy diamond. It's got everything you need.

The 2.0 isn't a picky engine.

I loved my cabby, hence the name.

 

[toneydoc]

Old roofless gave you a really good offering.

Probably any good name brand 5w30 oil would do fine.

 

[RooflessVW]

The 30s are actually a little light and can give you a low pressure light at idle when hot. It won't hurt anything, VW's oil pressure test is done at 3k.

But it can be an annoyance. Most "VW people" will recommend a dino 20w-50 or 15w-40, but the Rotella T6 works great.

 

[BrocLuno]

Any good XW-40 will work fine. I've had the low oil pressure light in the past and Roofless is right. It's not a real issue, just annoying...

I put an I-H 3# pressure switch in and the light went out

But a good ...40 will serve you well

 

[SR5]

A bit of Penrite 10W-40 would be the ticket, lots of Zn and it's VW502

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...e_a#Post4039838

Sorry, I know it's hard to find in the USA.

In that case, I think the Rotella T6 5W-40 is a good idea.

 

[Olas]

Like all th other guys said, a 40 is just the ticket

 

[FCD]

I'd use a A high quality 5w40 like Valvoline syn power

 

[addyguy]

Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Run Rotella T6 5W-40 and shine on, you crazy diamond. It's got everything you need.

The 2.0 isn't a picky engine.

I loved my cabby, hence the name.


+1.

 

[MaxF76]

Thank you for the responses.

Rotetella T6 seems like the ticket. WalMart has it at $21 per gallon.

Just to be clear, there aren't two different Rotella T6s are there? (One for diesel and one for gas?). It's single oil fit for dual use?

 

[RooflessVW]

Yep, just the one Rotella T6. Sweet metallic blue bottle.

Depending in where you live in California, you could probably run Rotella conventional 15w40 year 'round for a $15 oil change.

 

[Delta]

There are two T6's; 0w40 and 5w40, but both are dual rated. Although you live in CA, so the 0w40 is probably non-existent.

 

[RooflessVW]

I did not know there was a 0W-40! Something I need to look into...

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
I did not know there was a 0W-40! Something I need to look into...
I haven't heard of it being sold in the USA. I have only heard about it being sold in Canada.

I don't know why that is, there are plenty of places in the USA where 0w40 would have an advantage over 5w40.

Anyway, I usually just go to Wal-Mart and get a5qt jug of Castrol 0w40 for my car. It does meet VW 502.

 

[GR_CoB]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
I did not know there was a 0W-40! Something I need to look into...
I haven't heard of it being sold in the USA. I have only heard about it being sold in Canada.

I don't know why that is, there are plenty of places in the USA where 0w40 would have an advantage over 5w40.

Anyway, I usually just go to Wal-Mart and get a5qt jug of Castrol 0w40 for my car. It does meet VW 502.


I got 0w-40 T6 in my trunk now. Got it from Advance Auto Parts on sale in Greensboro, NC. So far only AAP sells it here.