Ricky 1982

Hi there I've planned to do a oil change this weekend and I just been to the car shop and been given 5w-30 fully synthetic ???? Is this right ??? Please help I don't want to put the wrong oil in cheers

Ricky 1982

Oyeah forgot to mention it's a petrol turbo 2004 impreza wrx Blobeye

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

What does the hand book recommend?
My 2006 sti recommends 5w-30 fs although I have a few mods so I use 5w-40 fs!!

bigsinky

what does your car handbook say?

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

5/30 is the grade as per the manual but is considered a bit on the thin side by most on here. If your engine is un-modified and in good mechanical order then yes, it will be ok.
Most people on here tend to use a 5/40 as the thinnest option with 10/40 or 10/50 as prefered grades especially if the engine has been modified for more power.
Don't forget to make sure the new filter is completely filled with oil prior to fitting. I'm sure someone else will explain the (optional) method for pressurizing the system before actually firing up.

JohnD

Ricky 1982

Eeeeerrrrr that last post has spoked me a little bit what is pressurising the system before start up????

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

Spook ye not! It's not essential but preferable. The idea is to make sure the oil has filled the galleries and reached the bearings prior to actual starting.
The crankshaft position sensor needs to be disconnected. This is located at the front of the engine above the crankshaft pulley and below the alternator. This will stop the ignition and fuel injectors working as you operate the starter motor. Operate the starter for about 10 secs at a time until the oil pressure light goes out, then give one more 10 sec burst. It may take a few goes before the light goes out so make sure your battery is up to scratch! Hold the clutch down to remove some load on the starter. Now re-connect the sensor and start engine. Take the revs gently up to 1600-1800 rpm and hold for a minute or so.
You will get a 'check engine' light when you switch on but this will clear itself after 4 or 5 starts.
Maybe someone on here has a photo showing the crank sensor position they could post?

JohnD

Ricky 1982

Cheers mate thanks for the advice I'm still not sure about this oil the shop gave me it says it's for zetecs

Pink_Floyd

Generally speaking there is no such thing as an oil for a particular model of car. Rather models of cars require certain types of oil that can be the same across manufacturers. As JohnD has said a lot of people go with 10/40 with 5/30 as a starting point. If the car is modified it can be an idea to go for an oil that can handle a bit more heat such as 10/50 or 10/60.

I'm no expert by a long chalk but a quick search should confirm what has already been said.

bigsinky

if that's the case take it to a subaru mechanic who knows what he is doing. you thought it was going to be a simple drain the oil, screw off the filter, put on a new filter, fill with oil, away you go? nothing is what it seems my friend. you need to know what your doing. a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. especially where subarus are concerned.

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

Yes, 5/30 is the recommendation for Ford Zetec engines, as it is for most modern cars now. What you've bought complies with the relevant Ford specification but it'll be ok for most other makes as well. You should take a look on Opie Oils website at all the 5/30's that are available, it's quite mind boggling! What brand is it?
If you are at all unsure, treat yourself to a good quality 10/40 semi-synthetic or 5/40 full synthetic, and you'll be fine.

JohnD

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

Doesn't "oilmans" site have a web page where you put in the details of your car and the "suggested" oil pops out the other end ?

Shaun

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/frmRecommendAnOil.aspx

Try this and let us know what it recommends

Shaun

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

Got a feeling it'll be a 5/30!

JohnD

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

Just JohnD curious as I use 10/40 Fuchs titan (Pro race)

Shaun

Ricky 1982

I think I'm gonna take the oil 5w-30 back and swap it for 10w-40 semi synthetic??? Is that what others use plus it only ever does short journeys and is alway kept in a heated garage