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What oil are you running in your air-cooled?


joshw

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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

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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 by ErikA

Erik

 

2001 911 Turbo X50

1980 911SC - Black, 3.2 litre short stroke SOLD!

2002 BMW M3 - Carbon Black over Cinnamon

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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?...

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What is this "dinner party" thing you speak of?...

 

:D

Erik

 

2001 911 Turbo X50

1980 911SC - Black, 3.2 litre short stroke SOLD!

2002 BMW M3 - Carbon Black over Cinnamon

Link to comment
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.

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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 ...

Erik

 

2001 911 Turbo X50

1980 911SC - Black, 3.2 litre short stroke SOLD!

2002 BMW M3 - Carbon Black over Cinnamon

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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.
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Keith Adams

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).

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  • 2 weeks later...
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.
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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.

Erik

 

2001 911 Turbo X50

1980 911SC - Black, 3.2 litre short stroke SOLD!

2002 BMW M3 - Carbon Black over Cinnamon

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  • 2 months later...

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