Volvo 2003 Engine oil

[Gwylan]

Anyone tell me, in 50 words or less, the difference between lubricating oil from swindlery and auto stuff from Halfords, Tesco or whoever?
Other than the price?

 

[nct1]

Check the manual, but if it is SAE 30 (and not a multi grade) you can get 5l at a great price from places that sell lawnmowers

 

[MoodySabre]

I use the stuff from garages - filters also Unipart etc. Have you got the numbers for alternatives? Fraction of the price. Personally not a great fan of Halfords - I prefer a local car spares type place.

I'm going to post a list of filters numbers as a separate post

 

[Gwylan]

always wondered and was looking in local swindlery here in Belgium, wanted €70 for oil! That's £55 in proper mone!y

 

[VicS]

The most important thing is to make sure that what you buy is the recommended (or suitable alternative) viscosity grade and the correct or later API specification

API categories

Personally I would buy a major brand name. Whenever possible I buy Castrol oil.

At the end of the day it's your choice whether to risk several £K worth of engine to save £10 or so on oil!

 

[Pete7]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm going to post a list of filters numbers as a separate post

[/ QUOTE ] Please, would be most useful.

Ta Pete

 

[MoodySabre]

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/1845341/an/0/page/0#1845341

 

[nigelhudson]

[ QUOTE ]
The most important thing is to make sure that what you buy is the recommended (or suitable alternative) viscosity grade and the correct or later API specification


[/ QUOTE ]
Tesco is CF-4 grade and is therefore suitable for use in the VP engine - we use it in our 2002 without problems. The real issue with oil is to make sure that it is changed frequently so that the anti-corrosion properties are maintained.

 

[pvb]

[ QUOTE ]
The most important thing is to make sure that what you buy is the recommended (or suitable alternative) viscosity grade and the correct or later API specification

[/ QUOTE ]Whilst in theory I'd agree, it has to be said that the original recommendations were made 20-odd years ago, and there's been a lot of development in oil technology in that time. I have a 2003T, and I use either semi-synthetic or synthetic oil in it, usually Halfords own brand. My concern is the turbo, and I believe that synthetic oils are less prone to inducing bearing problems in the turbo.

 

[philip_stevens]

I've got a VP2003 (not turbo) and use Valvoline Turbo Diesel oil. Have used it for the past 4 years. Engine runs fine.

 

[nigelmercier]

You must use proper marine oil, or it isn't waterproof /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif