joshw Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 Hi Everyone, I'm looking for advice and opinions on what oil you're running in your air-cooled engine? From looking at US-based forums it appears most recommend Mobil 1 15W50 but I've only been able to locate it at Napa and they want $14 a litre. Is this the best oil for our climate, and is there a less expensive alternative that is available? Thanks Quote Link to comment
ErikA Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 (edited) Controversial subject! I run Shell Rotella T4 15w40. Some people think that's crazy/upsetting, but it's cheap, has good additives for our old engines, stands up to the heat, and I put https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/rotella-t4-conventional-diesel-engine-oil-15w40-946-ml-0287929p.html#srp Edit: Talking oil on a car forum is as controversial as talking religion or politics at a dinner party. Edited May 4, 2020 by ErikA Quote Erik 2001 911 Turbo X50 1980 911SC - Black, 3.2 litre short stroke SOLD! 2002 BMW M3 - Carbon Black over Cinnamon Link to comment
al k Posted May 5, 2020 Share Posted May 5, 2020 Edit: Talking oil on a car forum is as controversial as talking religion or politics at a dinner party. What is this "dinner party" thing you speak of?... Quote Link to comment
ErikA Posted May 5, 2020 Share Posted May 5, 2020 What is this "dinner party" thing you speak of?... Quote Erik 2001 911 Turbo X50 1980 911SC - Black, 3.2 litre short stroke SOLD! 2002 BMW M3 - Carbon Black over Cinnamon Link to comment
joshw Posted May 7, 2020 Author Share Posted May 7, 2020 Controversial subject! I run Shell Rotella T4 15w40. Some people think that's crazy/upsetting, but it's cheap, has good additives for our old engines, stands up to the heat, and I put https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/rotella-t4-conventional-diesel-engine-oil-15w40-946-ml-0287929p.html#srp Edit: Talking oil on a car forum is as controversial as talking religion or politics at a dinner party. Thanks for the reply Diesel engine oil? I have not seen that recommended prior, but I'll definitely have to check it out. As you say there are as many oil opinions as there are oil products, which makes it extremely difficult to land on the correct product. I don't mind spending the extra money on oil if it's going to save/ postpone an engine rebuild down the road but I was hoping to avoid paying $14 a litre. Quote Link to comment
ErikA Posted May 7, 2020 Share Posted May 7, 2020 Thanks for the reply Diesel engine oil? I have not seen that recommended prior, but I'll definitely have to check it out. As you say there are as many oil opinions as there are oil products, which makes it extremely difficult to land on the correct product. I don't mind spending the extra money on oil if it's going to save/ postpone an engine rebuild down the road but I was hoping to avoid paying $14 a litre. Great for tractors, heavy equipment, big rigs, jacked up Cummins Dodges, and aircooled cars. Good resistance to the heat our cars produce and good additives (lots of zinc) for our older engines. A budget option, and takes the sting out of the 10.5L oil changes. I save the fancy Motul synthetic race oil for the M3 ... Quote Erik 2001 911 Turbo X50 1980 911SC - Black, 3.2 litre short stroke SOLD! 2002 BMW M3 - Carbon Black over Cinnamon Link to comment
joshw Posted May 8, 2020 Author Share Posted May 8, 2020 Thanks, Erik I'm going to give Valvoline 20W50 VR1 racing oil a shot. High in zinc, and seems to have a following with a number of air-cooled Porsche owners. Price is reasonable and available at NAPA. Quote Link to comment
Keith Adams Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 Thanks Erik for that tip - I tend to stay away from the oil debates (as well as religion and politics) and have been using Liqui-Moly 20W50 for classic cars available from our friends at Concept-1 https://store.concept1.ca/Liqui-Moly-20w-50-Classic-Cars-LM20262/ The Rotella T4 was a new one to me, but a good suggestion: https://www.hagerty.com/media/archived/engine-oil-tips-from-the-experts-at-shell/ Analysis would show it meets the required 1200 ppm Zinc http://pqiadata.org/Shell_Rotella_T4_15W40_4192017.html Although slightly newer testing shows a little lower in zinc. https://pqia.org/shell-rotella-t4-sae-15w-40-heavy-duty-diesel-engine-oil/ Probably good enough for this cowboy. Plus the benefit of Rotella is I can buy it at the UFA petroleum store in an 18.9L pail LOL. I run Rotella T6 (synthetic) in my VW TDI and my newer TDI-esque tractor (Deutz diesel). Quote Link to comment
knorrena Posted May 23, 2020 Share Posted May 23, 2020 I use brad penn 20-50 because it has high zinc dialkyl blah blah blah content. Made a huge difference in the 993. Timing chain tensioners dont bleed off as fast, lifters dont bleed off and pressure up faster, and it doesnt leak as bad. I tried mobil 1 and it was like watching an episode of supernatural with blood leaking out of nearly orifice. I had it in for almost 100kms and took it out. Good waste of money. Quote Link to comment
joshw Posted May 26, 2020 Author Share Posted May 26, 2020 Hi Knorrena, Did you have to purchase the Brad Penn from the USA or were you able to find a local distributor? Quote Link to comment
Keith Adams Posted May 27, 2020 Share Posted May 27, 2020 I've purchased Brad Penn from this performance muscle car shop in Calgary before http://www.classicperformance.us Also apparently available at JB's Power Centre by special order https://www.jbspowercentre.com/products/2545/Engine-Oil/&Series=Brad-Penn-Oils&mfg=HOW Quote Link to comment
knorrena Posted May 28, 2020 Share Posted May 28, 2020 Right here in yyc http://www.classicperformance.ca/ Quote Link to comment
ErikA Posted May 28, 2020 Share Posted May 28, 2020 Right here in yyc http://www.classicperformance.ca/ These guys are great - carry a bunch of products that are helpful to the classic car hobby. Recently stocked up on POR-15's product line, Eastwood rust converter, etc. They are operating via phone order and curbside pickup only, currently. Quote Erik 2001 911 Turbo X50 1980 911SC - Black, 3.2 litre short stroke SOLD! 2002 BMW M3 - Carbon Black over Cinnamon Link to comment
jdoering Posted August 21, 2020 Share Posted August 21, 2020 I run Castrol GTX 20W-50 in my 84 911 and it has always performed very well. You can get it at Canadian Tire and Walmart, believe it or not. Quote Link to comment
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