Volvo T5R Engine Oil:

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I have a 1996 Volvo 855R currently running Rotella Tripple T 15W40 engine oil. Previously I ran Amsoil 5W40 Euro because we had it on our shelves. My boss is a huge fan of Ams and has been for 20+ years. We service many vehicle that use Ams 5-25k service intervals on their engine oil as well. When I used the 5W40 Ams in my car it would tick during start-up and initial 5 seconds. This is something that ive seen with Ams and am wondering if their 0-10w is so thin that it drops out of the top end? I switched over to the Rotella and have not had this concern. Rotella obviously has a much higher centistoke especially during the colder mornings here in colorado so I would think that it will stick better. Alldata calls for 15w40 if above 0 degrees F, and pretty much 5W40-10W30 depending on the climate. My question is what are the thoughts of Rotella in this application, which oil may be better for this engine, or would the Rotella 5W40 full syn be a better option. I do know that since Rotella first came to the market it was almost considered a syn due to their hydro-crack tech of the molecules to size them down. It also performs very well through heat cycles and is great with turbocharged applications. Thoughts, comments, etc??? Thanks!
 
15w40 seems unnecessary unless that car is heavily modified.

You could run Rotella T6 5w40, or even Mobil 1 0w40. Both are hydrocracked group III+ synthetics and have stellar records in countless different motors. I'd use either one without hesitation in that car.
 
The car is basically stock, few bolt on's and plan to keep it that way though minus suspension. I have read a lot about the T6 and it really sounds great. Thanks for your input
 
Originally Posted By: dparm
15w40 seems unnecessary unless that car is heavily modified.

You could run Rotella T6 5w40, or even Mobil 1 0w40. Both are hydrocracked group III+ synthetics and have stellar records in countless different motors. I'd use either one without hesitation in that car.


An I missing something? The t-6 is basically the syn version of regular rotella. Why would the t-6 be ok but the regular be overkill. I'm lost.
I know in my experience with t-6 it shears much quicker in my bikes than the conventional.
Not much will beat the M1 0w-40 in most any application and I personally would use it in anything.
 
Originally Posted By: Clevy
Originally Posted By: dparm
15w40 seems unnecessary unless that car is heavily modified.

You could run Rotella T6 5w40, or even Mobil 1 0w40. Both are hydrocracked group III+ synthetics and have stellar records in countless different motors. I'd use either one without hesitation in that car.


An I missing something? The t-6 is basically the syn version of regular rotella. Why would the t-6 be ok but the regular be overkill. I'm lost.
I know in my experience with t-6 it shears much quicker in my bikes than the conventional.
Not much will beat the M1 0w-40 in most any application and I personally would use it in anything.



15w40 is going to be quite thick at startup and cold temps. The 5w40 synthetic version will provide the same protection, perhaps better, without the poor cold weather performance.
 
It's definitely quite a thick sauce when chilled. Im thinking I will at least change weights but not sure the manufacturer yet.
 
Originally Posted By: Pablo
I actually don't at all think Amsoil 5W-40 ASL is the best choice for that engine. Amsoil EFM 5W-40 is a WAY better choice.


I was running the Ams 5W40 European Car Formula which is the EFM product code, not the ASL. What are your thoughts on that oil? Ever heard of that? I spoke with Ams tech line about the ticking and his response was "Hmmmm, shouldn't do that" which I understand that it "shouldn't" but it did.
 
I've had great UOAs with Mobil 1 0W40 and Pennzoil Ultra 5W40 Euro in the Volvos in my sig. I think the M1 0W40 would be perfect for your 855, not too thick, good start-up on those cold Colorado winter mornings, and I just got a couple of 5 QT jugs at WM for $22.47/jug, so the price is very reasonable...
 
Originally Posted By: 855R
Originally Posted By: Pablo
I actually don't at all think Amsoil 5W-40 ASL is the best choice for that engine. Amsoil EFM 5W-40 is a WAY better choice.


I was running the Ams 5W40 European Car Formula which is the EFM product code, not the ASL. What are your thoughts on that oil? Ever heard of that? I spoke with Ams tech line about the ticking and his response was "Hmmmm, shouldn't do that" which I understand that it "shouldn't" but it did.


I guess my first question would be what oil filter were you using?

My thoughts on EFM is it's a great match for the Volvo white block. I have it in my high mileage 1996 855 right now and not one noise at any temperature. I've recommended it to a bunch of Volvo owners in the last 6 months or so (it's not been out for hardly a year now IIRC) and everyone is loving it.

I actually made a typo above. I meant to write 5W-40 AFL, not "5W-40 ASL" (ASL is 5w30). I figured it was AFL you put in because you said "Amsoil 5W40 Euro because we had it on our shelves." and I thought this because it is the product that has been around longer. The difference between the two is the EFM is a high SAPS oil while the AFL is a low/mid SAPS oil. The AFL does have a tendency to be a bit louder in the white block series engines and really isn't the best fit, IMHO.

Amsoil AFL 5W-40

Amsoil EFM 5W-40
 
Im using a Mann filter, should I be using something else or any other good/better options? I've know them to be good through reputation and filtration specs. I'm Currently running a 5k interval. We use to service european with the Euro formula 5W40 but I think that they all prefer the signature series due to pricing and longevity so it was sitting up there collecting dust so I thought that I would give it a try
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: 855R
Im using a Mann filter, should I be using something else or any other good/better options? I've know them to be good through reputation and filtration specs. I'm Currently running a 5k interval. We use to service european with the Euro formula 5W40 but I think that they all prefer the signature series due to pricing and longevity so it was sitting up there collecting dust so I thought that I would give it a try


The Mann is a fine choice. I would not suspect that of being noisy.

But if you say the Euro formula was collecting dust, I still have to wonder - how old? Could it have not been Euro Formula AFL? (they are both called European Car Formula 5W-40)
 
sitting around for about 8-1yr or so, not too long for a sealed container I wouldnt think? Im going off what we currently have in stock because I dont know exhatly what I put in but we have the AFL 5w40 euro. I would assume that is what i put in. It could possibly be a volvo thing and actually only did that when it was very very cold, like 1-5 degrees in the a.m.
 
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