Oils ani't oils Are they?
Submitted: Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 13:36
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Member - Noldi (WA)
Hi All,
Now I know I'm a bit old fashioned but I like to do the oil/filter changes on my vehicles myself, normally at intervals of around 7K.
I use a standard repco filter and generally go for good quality synthetic oil (seems to stay cleaner).
However I am about to purchase my first ever deisel (Nissan 4.2lt 10yr old) pick it up tommorow so you can guess what my job is going to be on the weekend, hence my question is (and even as I type this I have feeling this is a fridge.tyres type question)
what would you recommed as a good quality oil for use in a diesel?
I am also going to change the Air filter and drain and refil the cooling system, is there anything else you would recommend?
Rgds
Ian
Reply By: Stephen M (NSW) - Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 14:33
Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 14:33
Dont forget the diff oils, tranfer case, gear box. At least you will no they have been changed and all is new wether they need it or not.
Check out the diff breathers as
well. Intending to do a few water crossings ?? I would be extending the breathers nice and high so they suck in any water into the diffs. Easy job to do. Dont forget the clutch and brake master cylinders as
well. Might be worth giving a flush through, possibly power steer as wellRegards Steve M
AnswerID:
296384
Follow Up By: Member - Noldi (WA) - Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 14:41
Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 14:41
Good idea Steve, Thanks, may need 2 weekends ;-)
FollowupID:
562422
Follow Up By: Stephen M (NSW) - Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 20:53
Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 20:53
"so they suck in any water into the diffs" I dont think so. Thats what we dont want to do. Meant to say so you DONT suck any water into the diffs. Regards Steve M
FollowupID:
562528
Reply By: Member - Kevin J (QLD) - Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 16:38
Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 16:38
Ian,
Don't claim to be an expert on oils but can say I was involved in the oil industry for 32 yrs. Certainly there are oils and oils. There are standards and specifications for each API rating and say on a scale of 1 to 10 there some oils will just reach the bottom of the scale while others are nearer to the top mark. The base oils used may all come from the same source refinery and the final products may be blended and packaged in the same plant however it is the 'additive package' which is added to the base oil which makes the difference on the rating scale. Some use a cheaper 'package' which gives an advantage in the market while others choose to build the final product on quality. Which is right?
To give an example. If I graduate from Uni as an engineer with Hons and my friend graduates with a basic level 5. We are both engineers and we can both do the job. Only time will tell and it is not possible to predetermine which will be the best in the long term.
When I bought my Tojo TD 4.2 I contacted one of my old associates who specialised in lubricants for some 45 years and he went right up the line to Japan only to come back with his own assessment and recommendation.
The biggest issue with any diesel is keeping the operationally produced contaminents at the lowest level and since the oil in the sump is where all the carbon and crud ends up the best method of contaiment can be achieved in my book by using good quality filters together with an oil that meets the set standard and then replacing both often. A point often lost with diesels is the air cleaner element. It may look clean but if you are running in dusty conditions a change could be a good move. Just remember if you use a blast of air to back clear the filter it is also very possible that you are decreasing the efficiency of the filter by enlargeing the entrapment structure which will subsequently allow more dust to enter the system.
Just my opinion. Incidently you will note I am not pushing any brand as my association has ended.
Kevin J
AnswerID:
296406
Follow Up By: Member - Noldi (WA) - Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 17:44
Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 17:44
Thanks Kev, good info, I have always just used repco oil filters what would your preference be?
Rgds
Ian
FollowupID:
562454
Follow Up By: Member - Kevin J (QLD) - Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 17:58
Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 17:58
Ian,
Have not heard anything which would persuade me not to use Repco.
Kevin J
FollowupID:
562462
Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 21:46
Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 21:46
Kevin,
Can I pick your brain on oil viscosity for the 1HD-FTE Landcruiser like yours?
I'm contemplating using a 5W30 or 10W30 oil instead of the commonly available 15W40 diesel engine oils. The handbook says this is fine. Castrol site says the Edge 5W30 is fine too. What do you think?
Cheers
Phil
FollowupID:
562555