TDI Engine Oil: Best Choices & Reviews

Hey everyone!

Sure, I can use the 'search' option, but... Unfortunately, I still haven't figured out which oil is suitable for the 1Z TDI engine.
Can you simply add full synthetic oil to the engine without any problems after having used a semi-synthetic oil?
I'm currently using Valvoline HPdiesel 10-w40, but I'm quite unhappy with it. The cold start is very rough. When the oil was only 1000 km old, the engine was running quietly, but after 1000 km, it started making noise again. Later, I checked the bottle again and saw that there are no VW approvals listed. !
It was on sale at METRO for €11.56 for 5 liters... well, I thought I'd give it a try. I plan to switch to 10W-60 next time, but would 5W-40 or 0W-40 also work?
Since I added this Valvoline oil, the oil consumption has also increased!
AND when the engine idles for a long time, the lifters start to make ticking noises! Before, it only happened in heavy traffic at an outside temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, but now it's happening even at 10 degrees Celsius and with a fully warmed-up engine.
'Before, I used Castrol Magnatec 10w40 semi-synthetic oil.'
As far as I know, the first number of the viscosity rating shouldn't affect oil consumption. But... what kind of oil can you even put into a machine with 255,000 kilometers on the odometer?


Best regards,

Eric.

then use the search function...

It's my opinion that it doesn't matter what viscosity you use, and the brand also isn't important, as long as it meets the corresponding VW standard. For the 1Z engine, it should be VW505 00. Personally, I've used full synthetic 5W40 oil. It wasn't a specific brand name oil, but rather from stores like Globus and Praktiker. At Praktiker, they have good oil from Leuna for just over 10 euros for a 5-liter container, which is even sometimes delivered directly to VW factories.

But as I said, we've already had these questions about faith countless times, to the point of being sick of them.

FlatEric wrote:

.... Since I added this Valvoline oil, the oil consumption has also increased! ....

Hi,

Okay, my experiences with Valvoline oils weren't exactly great either. Unfortunately, that was all over 15 years ago.
The Valvoline oil always had the unpleasant characteristic of dissipating heat less effectively and providing significantly lower oil pressure at high temperatures. The oil became thin, like water, when warm. Supposedly, this shouldn't be a problem, but an oil that is so thin will seep through even the smallest gaps, leading to high oil consumption and low oil pressure. Furthermore, low oil pressure when the engine is stationary can cause problems with the hydraulic lifters (causing knocking).

All your information leads to the conclusion that nothing has changed.

Okay... after 10-15 minutes of the engine being warmed up and idling, a lifter starts to rattle. Well, I'll have to replace it, but I'm getting this Valvoline oil out as quickly as possible! But... the answer to my question is still missing... can I use this 'old' full-synthetic oil for my TDI without any problems? My experience with a Honda CRX engine wasn't great with full-synthetic oil, so that's why I'm asking.
Can you use 50-grade oil without any problems instead of 40-grade? Or even 60-grade? What are your current experiences?

Best regards,

Eric Luja.

OH MY GOD!!! PEOPLE, look at this ->>http://www.hamburger-taxi.info/html/body_valvoline-shop.html

and then with HP diesel! That's what I'm using right now!!
MINERAL OIL!
Oh no... hopefully it won't damage my engine. I'm getting it out of there as quickly as possible!

FlatEric wrote:

OH MY GOD !!!!!! GUYS, look at this ->>>>>>http://www.hamburger-taxi.info/html/body_valvoline-shop.html and then with HP diesel! That's what I'm using right now!! MINERAL OIL! Oh nooo... hopefully it won't damage my engine; it's coming out as fast as possible!

Yes, and what?
My 1Z has always only received mineral oils.
What's wrong with that?
He passed away due to a faulty ESP (Electronic Stability Program) that was not interacting with the MÖL (presumably a specific component or system).

As long as the oil meets the relevant standard, it shouldn't be a problem regardless of the vehicle you drive (see joergs' post).
Damage won't be caused by that thin Valvoline oil to your engine... at least not in the short term.

Since your TDI isn't the newest model either, I would recommend against using expensive, thin oils.
Men should not follow the recommendations for modern diesel engines, but rather adhere to the recommendations from 'the day before yesterday' for their 'old' diesel engine.

With your 255,000 km (approximately 158,000 miles) mileage, the oil pressure is likely lower due to wear, especially when the oil is hot. Therefore, using a 50 or 60 weight oil might be beneficial, although it will cost slightly more.
The 0W-XX and 5W-XX oils are (in my opinion) too thin for your TDI engine. This increases oil consumption, and while your engine is well lubricated, it's only on the outside – specifically, the turbocharger, intercooler, and intake manifold.

Although I know that many people will disagree with me now, here is my clear recommendation for this type of mileage:

10W-50 or 10W-60, of course according to the VW 505 00 standard.

I've been using a synthetic 15W-40 oil from Mobil for years (I have a good way to get it at a reasonable price). I change it every 13,000-15,000 kilometers.
I am very satisfied with the oil; the oil consumption is 0.2-0.5 liters per 15,000 km, and there is no knocking or similar noises...
Cold starts are not a problem either, as there is a heated underground garage available.


Okay, please change the oil as soon as possible and use a good quality motor oil!

Best regards, Georg.

Hi,

Okay, my car handles the 5W40 oil perfectly well; so far, it has consumed about a liter of oil in total over 47,000 kilometers.

Therefore, I've now added 5W40 oil again, a full synthetic type from LM (of course, meeting the appropriate VW standard), and I think that shouldn't hurt. The previous oil changes were done by Seat, who used "5W40 synthetic," whatever that exactly is.

However, it's hard to compare my car's mileage of 47,000 km with one that has over 200,000 km.

Best regards,

Jan.

I'm currently using Castrol Formula SLX 0W-30, and I have to add half a liter after 5000 km, but then it's back at the upper level. The hydraulic lifters could be quieter, but what can you do? For my specific use case – mostly short trips, rarely more than 15 km at a time – I'm satisfied with this choice.

Best regards, Robert.

I just checked the link now. The oil isn't as bad as you describe, and it won't damage your engine.

But to help maintain healthy oil pressure, I would recommend using a thicker oil, as previously suggested.
For some fully synthetic engine oils with an X W-40 viscosity grade, the viscosity at high temperatures is actually better than that of a mineral oil with an X W-50 viscosity grade.

It's up to you which oil you choose; it really depends on your driving style (short trips, warm-up time, how often you use full throttle, etc.).

George.

guys,

I think enough has been said/written here in this thread, and also in countless other threads. Just use the search function and you'll find it. Read and form your own opinion. That's all.

In short: VW 505 00 is a mandatory specification. Everything else, from 15W to 0W viscosity, and whether it's mineral or fully synthetic, is a matter of personal preference, as well as price and brand.

I think we should end this pointless argument here.