VW VR6 OIL

[fleetmech]

I just bought a 2000 jetta with the VR6. I don't know much about these cars as I am a diesel mechanic. I have a lot of PURUS brand 5W-40 synthetic oil that I use in my fleet and wondered if there would be any adverse affects if I ran it in this gasoline engine. VW calls for a synthetic 5W-40. This oil is dual rated as both a CJ4 and SM. I know it is not approved by VW but wondered if anyone has some insight on this topic. Thanks.

PURUS PRODUCTS

 

[scurvy]

You'll be fine with it in a VR6.

 

[dparm]

Most of the diesel 5w40 oils would work quite well in that VR6. Just stick with synthetics.

 

[skyship]

Originally Posted By: fleetmech
I just bought a 2000 jetta with the VR6. I don't know much about these cars as I am a diesel mechanic. I have a lot of PURUS brand 5W-40 synthetic oil that I use in my fleet and wondered if there would be any adverse affects if I ran it in this gasoline engine. VW calls for a synthetic 5W-40. This oil is dual rated as both a CJ4 and SM. I know it is not approved by VW but wondered if anyone has some insight on this topic. Thanks.

PURUS PRODUCTS


The approvals are fairly restricted and mostly for big truck diesels that are less fussy in basic spec requirements. If you can find a VOA to see what is in it that would help, otherwise keep the first OCI short (5K miles?) and then do a used oil analysis including TBN before taking a long term or extended OCI decision.
One disadvantage hinted at in the approval letters is that smaller engine oil companies have a habit of changing the add pack contents and base stock, which is one reason I stick to major brands as it confuses the used oil analysis results if they change the ingrediants.
If you care about a cars engine choose a major brand oil company that has a web site with an oil finder that lists a recommendation for the specific engine type. It does not need to have a full VW approval unless under warranty.

 

[fleetmech]

Being that I am in the shop every day for work I plan on changing the oil at 5k every time so I don't see long intervals being a problem. Since we buy in bulk the oil is about 4 dollars a quart. That makes an oil change come in around 26 dollars. I am fine spending that money once every 5k.
Thanks for all the input. I was just a little nervous because some of the VW people get very adamant about oil. I have been running the same 5W-40 in my sprinters for about two years without any egr or dpf issues and these are high mileage engines by now. ALl above 200k.