Which engine oil

russ

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I'm aware of the various posts on this question but I just need a quick layman's answer.
I need to buy 15/40 mineral oil for my 2004 AD41P engines. Which make would be the prefered choice or does it have to be the exorbitantly priced Volvo Penta?
 
I found a few that met the specs of Volvo VDS-3 . They were all exorbitantly expensive. Which is better though, that's the million dollar question. I'm partial to giving Rimula R4X a go but so far it's been Volvo all the way. I do wonder as my engines age if I shouldnt be going thicker though.
 
Have been using Rimula R4x for 5 years, seems to be highly rated and is available for under £70 for 20 litres. Volvo stuff seems to smell a bit after a run, Rimula doesn't . But I'm going to lay that opinion on SWMBO's lap cos i don't really notice.
 
Just checking the handbook and the oil spec says VDS-2, ACEA E5 or API CH-4. Whatever that means. Is VDS-3 & 4 just later and better oil which replaces the need for VDS-2?
 
X

API: CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4, CF. SL; ACEA: E7, E5, E3; Global: DHD-1; Caterpillar: ECF-2, ECF-1-A; Cummins: CES 20078, 77, 76 ,75, 72 ,71; DDC: 93K215; Deutz: DQC III-10; IVECO: T1 (Meets requirements);JASO: DH-1; Mack EO-M+, EO-M; MAN: M3275-1; MB-Approval 228.3; MTU: Category 2; Renault Trucks: RLD-2; Volvo: VDS-3;

L

API: CJ-4, CI-4+, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4, CF; ACEA: E9, E7; Caterpillar: ECF-2, ECF-3; Cummins: CES 20081, 77, 72,71; Deutz: DQC III-10 LA; DDC: 93K218; IVECO: T2 E7 (Meets); MACK: EO-O Premium Plus; JASO DH-2, MAN: M3575; MB-Approval 228.31; MTU: Category 2.1; Renault Trucks: RLD-3, Volvo: VDS-4, VDS-3
 
I found a few that met the specs of Volvo VDS-3 . They were all exorbitantly expensive. Which is better though, that's the million dollar question. I'm partial to giving Rimula R4X a go but so far it's been Volvo all the way. I do wonder as my engines age if I shouldnt be going thicker though.

Not sure thicker oil is a solution to engine age or wear ?

There is plenty of VDS3 oil available at a range of reasonable prices . Any thoughts on the following ?

MANNOL 20L TS-4 SHPD 15W40 ENGINE OIL ACEA E7/A3/B4 VOLVO VDS 3 RLD-2 MAN M3275 4036021166445 | eBay
.
High Performance Mixed Fleet Vection 15w-40 Engine Oil ACEA E7 Volvo VDS 3 20LT | eBay
.
 
Not sure thicker oil is a solution to engine age or wear ?

There is plenty of VDS3 oil available at a range of reasonable prices . Any thoughts on the following ?

MANNOL 20L TS-4 SHPD 15W40 ENGINE OIL ACEA E7/A3/B4 VOLVO VDS 3 RLD-2 MAN M3275 4036021166445 | eBay
.
High Performance Mixed Fleet Vection 15w-40 Engine Oil ACEA E7 Volvo VDS 3 20LT | eBay
.

Are they oils that are VDS approved or just from suppliers who say they meet the spec...there’s a big difference.
 
When we had out Sealine with Volvo D12s, I had a problem with the breathers foaming.
It wasn't really a problem but the area around them needed continual cleaning.
I switched from Volvo oil to Shell Rimula and the problem wet away.
In my view, Volvo have to sell their oil through dealer networks so they choose an inferior product so that everyone in the supply chain can make some money.
The result is a cheap oil as an expensive price.
In my experience the Volvo oil foams whereas better quality oil doesn't

We have owned the Princess now for 12 years.
I still use Shell Rimula on my 1200hp MTUs
It is a good oil at a good price - not much more to say.
 
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