Volvo 240T.... What oil in high-mileage turbo engines

[smith_t240]

1983 244 Turbo intercooled, 216k miles.

Not really sure what kind of shape the engine is in, did get 130 psi on all 4 cylinders though. As some of you know, 216k miles isn't much for a volvo. 130 psi is kinda low, but the compression ratio is like 7.5:1

Car gets parked during the winter so it doesn't rust. I live in Wisconsin. Temperatures that the car usually sees are between 30-100F.

The turbo is only oil cooled, not water-cooled. It does have a factory oil cooler on it, and I just installed my oil temp gauge, so it'll be interesting to see what kind of numbers I get.

I switched it over to synthetic at 211k miles when I rebuilt the turbocharger. Switched straight over and changed filter after 1,000 miles.

I am not sure if/how much oil the engine burns, I spent the winter fixing oil leaks so hopefully we'll be able to tell. I would run no more than 5k mile intervals, probably even 3k for the first few because there is gunk to clean out in the block.

I have been running M1 10W-30. My concern is that the synthetic 10w-30 is a little thin at operating temperature, especially when subjected to the high temps the turbocharger makes. I want to keep this car for a very long time, and mileage is certainly a bragging right. I am definitely stickign with full synthetic. So the next step up is xW-40, or even 50 which seems a little thick to me. So right now, I'm thinking 10w or 15w 40. I still have a lot to learn, so I am open to your opinions, but wouldn't the 15w-40 have less shear?? Would it be too thick at startup for this engine??

Then there are the brands: M1, AMSoil, GC all sound pretty **** good.

Hopefully I covered everything, and you were able to bear with me. Going to have to find a place to do UOA also.

I AM VERY ANAL ABOUT THIS CAR AND WILL ONLY PUT TOP NOTCH OIL IN IT.

Thanks guys, I'm here to learn,

Smith

P.S. Glad to see a few other Volvo fans here!! Roll on!!

 

[Pablo]

I have the same beast. It really likes Amsoil 15W-40 . Good price point, too.

Mine has 253,000 miles.

 

[Ken2]

Your choice of 5W-40. Mobil 1 Truck & SUV is excellent, Shell Rotella-T syn, Amsoil 5W-40 or 15W-40


Ken

 

[smith_t240]

What will be the difference really between the 5W or 15W -40 oil??

Regarding, shear/heat....
Oil at startup, I know obviously 5W will be thinner.

Thanks for the replies guys,

Smith

 

[vvk]

Nice car

Use Delo 15W-40 or any other brand name 15W-40 with low sulfated ash.

10W-30 will be fine in winter.

Unless you run long change intervals, synthetic oil will not give you better results.

 

[Pablo]

Actually synthetic IS the oil of choice in Volvo turbos!

I have seen enough oil return tubes and coked turbo bearings on Volvo turbos with 3K oil chnages on dino to know the beni's of synthetic oil.

 

[John_E]

quote:

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Originally posted by Pablo:
Actually synthetic IS the oil of choice in Volvo turbos!

I have seen enough oil return tubes and coked turbo bearings on Volvo turbos with 3K oil chnages on dino to know the beni's of synthetic oil.

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I concur and would broaden your statement to include VW/Audi turbos, and probably all other makes, as well.

 

[smith_t240]

I agree too. I got new oil supply and return oil pipes to the turbocharger when I had it rebuilt.

Installing a new oil supply line usually is a necessity in order for a warranty on a new/rebuilt turbocharger.

So guys, what are the real differences between using a 15W-40 and 5W-40, I'm gonna try the AMSoil.

Also, I've seen the acronyms ATM and MLM written after AMSoil, what do they mean??

Smith

 

[Pablo]

First it's Amsoil.

Second ATM = Amsoil full synthetic 10W-30
and MLM = multilevel marketing

Please buy your Amsoil from one of the two BITOG (Bob is the Oil Guy) site sponsors.

 

[Pablo]

Almost forgot:

quote:

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what are the real differences between using a 15W-40 and 5W-40

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In general the difference is the apparent cold (40°C) viscosity. A 5W will pump and flow faster at cold temps. However, don't forget these are specifications....so a good synthetic 15W (min rated) could really flow like a 10W or less when cold.

The Amsoil 5W-40 is a more advanced oil designed for mainly gas engines and the Euro call for 5W-40. Costs a bit more.

The Amsoil 15W-40 full synthetic is a mixed fleet oil and is fully diesel rated. One of Amsoil's lowest cost oils, yet one of the most robust. I use it year round here in the PNW. If you park your car in the freezing months then this oil will work fine for you.