I have now accumulated 1000miles on my rebuilt 1984 VW Rabbit Diesel motor. It is a 1.6n/a. I have been using Shell Rotella T 15w-40. At what point is it safe to start using synthetic? I haven't had any problems with the Shell Rotella 15w-40, other than putting in 1/4-1/3 qt. every 200miles, due to breaking in the motor. Should I switch brands like Chevron Delo or Mobil Delvac 1300 because of the small oil consumption? Is the Chevron Delo or Mobil Delvac 1300 better than the Shell Rotella 15w-40?
When to go over to synthetic?
- Thread starter ffgb
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I liked Delvac 1300 in my V6 Audi, but I think all th0se oils have merit.
You can make the switch any time with any of them oils,there all top shelf can't go wrong.
Delvac 1300 actually isn't a synthetic-but I would think that any of the 5W40 synthetic oils, such as Delvac 1, Rotella T6 or RTS, Delo LE, or even Valvoline PBX would help with cold starts/flow, and even get you a small MPG improvement. I've been tempted a couple of times to sell the old 300D & pick up either a 1.6 N/A or even a early turbo Jetta or Quantum to replace it-there would be a big MPG improvement over the Mercedes.
I'd wait until oil consumption levels off.
I've read quite a bit on using synthetic during the break in period. Most are against it, I don't quite understand the logic. Most studies cite proper ring seating as the main reason as to why it shouldn't be used. I think this ring seating process will still take place but just may take longer, and don't understand why its an issue?
Originally Posted By: tig1
I had two Fords with the 2.0 Mazda diesels. 84 Tempo and 85 Escort. I used M1 10-30 with great success. The Escort had 300K when the body began to fail. Only engine problems was a head gasket.
Why'd you use an oil that's not a diesel rated formula?
I serviced an older gentleman's motorhome that had a diesel and he was absolutely adament about having M1 15W-50 in there, tried explaining to him it was the wrong oil and didn't have the right additives his engine needed, but it went right over his head. Told him he was running it on borrowed time before something went wrong.
I had two Fords with the 2.0 Mazda diesels. 84 Tempo and 85 Escort. I used M1 10-30 with great success. The Escort had 300K when the body began to fail. Only engine problems was a head gasket.
Why'd you use an oil that's not a diesel rated formula?
I serviced an older gentleman's motorhome that had a diesel and he was absolutely adament about having M1 15W-50 in there, tried explaining to him it was the wrong oil and didn't have the right additives his engine needed, but it went right over his head. Told him he was running it on borrowed time before something went wrong.
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