Would I.M. go as far as a chemical analysis of the oil in the sump to determine its make? especially as it could be a few thousand miles old! If you`ve put a non approved oil in, surely you are not going to admit it?
J.

[Edited by JohnD - 12/9/2001 10:46:54 AM]

Hoppy
Of course Shell Helix semi synth isn't the "best" oil around - but that's what Subaru UK recommend......if I were to have an engine let go, I don't want the possibility of that nice Mr Swatman trying to tell me it was because I put a non recommended oil in.

Our only engine mods are exhaust and panel air filter. If, say, a piston went, they would have a hard job blaming the engine failure on those mods.....

[Edited by Dave T-S - 12/9/2001 7:37:49 PM]

I normally use Mobil1 Motorsport 15w50 fully synthetic but should i use a 5w40 rated fully synthetic for winter??

Tony

Although full synthetic flows easier than semi. I reckon 15/50 is too thick at low temps. A full syn. of 5/40 or 5/50 seems a better bet and wuold be fine for all year use. I normally use Valvoline "Synpower" 5/50 all year with the "fashionable" oil/filter change every 3000 miles. This is a good oil at a really sensible price. Using a thicker oil in engines with hydraulic valve lifters can give problems, although phase II and Sti`s with solid lifters are ok.
I actually did a very scientific comparison of oils by putting some in transluscent 35mm film containers and popping them into the fridge (and freezer!) The 15/50 Mobil was noticably more reluctant to run than the 5/50 and 10/40.
Just my thoughts. JohnD

These aren't F1 cars!

Just use the normal bollox. I've got semi castrol magnatec in mine, good as anything.

MB

hee hee

SUK recommend Shell Helix semi synth, and that's what goes in both ours all year round. And, if there should ever be a warranty issue, it's down to them.....

Dave, I'm amazed! I know your and Missus' cars are new (under 10,000 miles?) and may not be quite fully run-in yet, but do you really believe a) that the Shell semi-synth is the best, and b) if there was a problem that IM would somehow fail to spot some of the other mods on your engine/s? Serious question, m8.

I run Castrol RS 10-60 but am seriously considering a can of Castol RS 0-50 (I think) to run over winter. On my regular runs to work, shops, and taxi service for half the teenagers in my area, the oil sometimes never gets above 80 degrees (that's a guess based on my wife's P'geot 206 temp gauge - Santa's bringing mine :D ).

Any comments gratefully received.

Richard.