using 0W30 in a car that asks for 15W50 /20W50

[kickster]

my 1990 Golf owner's manual asks for 15W40 or 20W50 to be used when temp are above 0 C. (freezing point) I wonder what would happen if I use GC 0W30 or AMSOIL 0W30 oil in this car!! Currently I am using AMSOIL 5W40.

 

[haley10]

If you have run a synthetic for awhile and have no problems with leaks etc., I think it would be a great idea. I think either oil is going to promote a better ring seal and maintain better than the suggested dino's. Unless you make long runs at very high speeds, it might be better. I would consider it and your thinking is sound. Of course, I don't know what you would gain over a syn 5-40, unless you get extremely cold and just want a universal oil.

 

[pscholte]

Much as I would like to see you running SLX, stick to the the owner's manual recommendations. If the OM recommended 5W30 or 10W30, I'd say try it. No way I am going to recommend you use it based on what the OM is calling for.

 

[kickster]

Would there be a huge difference between 0w30 and 5W40 that I am currently using? Canada's winters are very cold and I park my car outsuide. On the other hand my oil temp for normal high way driving is at 110C and if pushed a little bit it goes above 115C which is a little hot.

 

[Fred Bear]

I would not use the 0W-30. If you are worried about oil flow at low temp...try M1 Delvac 15-40

 

[pscholte]

Probably not much difference with say M1 0W40...SLX is on the thick side of the 30W scale...and the 0 weight would be perfect for Toronto. I'm just not prepared to recommend a 30W where a 40 or 50W is stated in the OM. Granted oil technology has improved since 1990 so you could call VW tech service and see if today's synthetic 30Ws are OK...like I said, I'd love to see you running the Elixer...as long as it is right for your engine.

 

[moribundman]

Which motor is in that Golf? 1.8 or 2.0 gasser?

 

[Dr. T]

My observations: 1. Increased consumption 2. Increased sludge, varnish buildup 3. Power loss due to 2 and/or due to compression loss (viscosity seal). 4. More frequent OCI's req'd due to 1-3.

 

[toolboy62]

I would not use anything thinner than an xW40. older VWs like thick oil, that engine design dates back to the early 70s. I know that my '89 16V would make a horrendous racket when hot with 10W30 in it, the lifters would get noisy 'cause they'd bleed down too quickly. nate

 

[kickster]

ya I think I will stick with AMSOIL 5W40. If I decide to go Dino then Rotella 15W40.

 

[kickster]

I have owned many VW and they all run about same oil pressure. The engine is in great shape, no oil burning, no engine noise.

 

[Motorbike]

quote:

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Originally posted by kickster: I have owned many VW and they all run about same oil pressure. The engine is in great shape, no oil burning, no engine noise.

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Regardless with 10lbs of pressure hot with a 40wt ....... good luck with a much thinner oil

 

[Jelly]

quote:

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Originally posted by Motorbike: Regardless with 10lbs of pressure hot with a 40wt ....... good luck with a much thinner oil

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I once again agree with Motorbike...with such pressure running a forty-weight, I see absolutely no reason to use something thinner. Have you considered M1 15w-50?

 

[kickster]

I was using 10W40 and 20W40 shell dino oil and my oil pressure is no different. Mobile one is difficult to find in toronto. If I want to use synthetic then I rather use AMSOIL. AMSOIL is costing me $0.50 more than Mobile per Liter.

 

[TooSlick]

The Amsoil 0w-30 is fine for year round use in any VW/Audi engine....I've run it in two Audis' and one VW in very hot climates, with no oil pressure or oil consumption issues.... Tooslick

 

[Motorbike]

What was the reason the engine oil light was coming on in this engine that you posted about a month or so back ? If it's still doing that at idle with a 40wt , I'd certainly not go any thinner till I found out whats wrong .

 

[kickster]

the light was due to bad oil pressure sender. I have about 10 to 16 PSI pressure at 700 rpm idle and 25 to 30 PSI at 2500 rpm. (oil temp at 100C.)

 

[Motorbike]

quote:

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Originally posted by kickster: the light was due to bad oil pressure sender. I have about 10 to 16 PSI pressure at 700 rpm idle and 25 to 30 PSI at 2500 rpm. (oil temp at 100C.)

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Too low for my comfort still . Could be a worn oil pump from running thick oils in a cold climate all it's life . Might be bearings or both but too much to cover on a forum as it could yet be " one " more problem that's oil pump related . I'd nix the 0w-30 idea based on my opinion of what is wrong with the motor .