Is Castrol Syntec 5W40 ok to use, or not?

P

PanzerGeneral

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I have read so many threads trying to find out, and frankly they all seem to conflict. I'm trying to get some clarification on this topic. Is it ok to use Castrol Syntec 5W40 in a 2002 VW Jetta TDI that has over 100,000 miles on it? Furthermore, if it is not the best, what is? Is it at least a good choice?

I would definitely appreciate any clarification you guys can provide. Thanks!
 
Y

ymz

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Yes, for any 2003-and-older TDI's, the Castrol Syntec 5W-40 which carries the VW spec 505.00 is just fine.

"Best" is a subjective assessment... Many around here feel that the Shell Rotella-T "Full Synthetic" 5W-40 may be a bit better... it's certainly cheaper if you shop at WalMart (Blue Jug... 3.7 L / $15.50), and it's generally been agreed that Mobil "Delvac-1" (known by several other names) and Amsoil "European Formula" (all of these are 5W-40 as well) are definitely a notch up.

All the best,

Yuri.
 
T

tditom

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Panzer-
Yes you can use it on that car. It is a group III/IV synthetic. I don't think anyone will claim it as the "best", but it is certainly up to snuff for 10K oil change intervals.

"Best" is a sensitive subject that can bring many opinions. There are a number of Group IV (pure synthetic) oils that "meet or exceed" the VW oil standard 505.00 that your engine was designed to use. Many here will say Mobil 1 5W40 is the "best". Some will say Amsoil AFL is "best". Castrol 0W30, Mobil 1 0W40, any oil with VW506 will be a group IV synthetic. The 506 oils are rugged enough to last for up to 31K miles/2 years (if using ULSD and having oil analysis to determine that the additives are still doing their job).
 
K

k0rson

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I own a 2006 Rabbit gasoline (2.5L), and I am also looking around for the 'best' oil for my first oil change. Dealer told me they use Castrol Syntec 5W-40 all the way for this engine, but will put in any oil I bring in.

I talked with a tech at AMSOIL and they said they will never be on the VW approved list because it takes money to join that list and they will not pay. Their European Formula exceeds the VW requirements, and I am thinking to go with AMSOIL.

I am aware that diesels and gasoline cars might need different kind of oils ....

Can anybody explain this 'Group I / II / III / IV categorization of oils ?

thx

k0
 
Y

ymz

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kOrson: this is, of course, a Diesel website, so not that many of us know about the oil requirements of your Gasoline-powered car (although there _are_ experts hiding out here...)

Please triple-check the specs of that whatever oil you wish to put into your car with more than one reference work!! The dealers are not always the most reliable sources of information !!!

Also, do a Google search on oil sludgeing and whether your car is susceptible to this...

All the best,

Yuri.
 
Bob_Fout

Bob_Fout

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k0rson said:
I own a 2006 Rabbit gasoline (2.5L), and I am also looking around for the 'best' oil for my first oil change. Dealer told me they use Castrol Syntec 5W-40 all the way for this engine, but will put in any oil I bring in.

I talked with a tech at AMSOIL and they said they will never be on the VW approved list because it takes money to join that list and they will not pay. Their European Formula exceeds the VW requirements, and I am thinking to go with AMSOIL.

I am aware that diesels and gasoline cars might need different kind of oils ....

Can anybody explain this 'Group I / II / III / IV categorization of oils ?

thx

k0
Click to expand...
What does your manual say for which oils can be used?
 
dieseldorf

dieseldorf

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Isn't the gasser going to call for VAG 502.00?

 
Bob_Fout

Bob_Fout

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dieseldorf said:
Isn't the gasser going to call for VAG 502.00?
Click to expand...
505.00 can be used with the 2.0 and 1.8T for 10,000 mile OCI.
 
Bob_Fout

Bob_Fout

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dieseldorf said:
Bob, is 505.00 a gasser standard :confused:
Click to expand...
505.00 is a VAG standard.

505.01 I believe is what audi uses with the RS6, along with the PD TDI.
 
T

tjl

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k0rson said:
Can anybody explain this 'Group I / II / III / IV categorization of oils ?
Click to expand...
Group I = mineral oil base stocks
Group II = mineral oil base stocks that are more refined
Group III = mineral oil base stocks that are even more refined so that their viscosity index is comparable to that of group IV base stocks
Group IV = polyalphaolefins made from natural gas
Group V = others (esters)

Group III, IV, and V are called "synthetic" in the US, although only group IV and V are called "synthetic" in some other places. Group III, IV, and V base stocks are needed to produce motor oil with "wide" grades like 5W-40 (group I and II are typically only used for 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, and 20W-50 among multigrades, and 10W-40 is considered marginal for group I and II based oils due to the large amount of viscosity index improver needed).
 
T

tjl

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Bob_Fout said:
505.00 can be used with the 2.0 and 1.8T for 10,000 mile OCI.
Click to expand...
In the US, VW recommends VW 502.00 rated oil for gasoline engines. Also, the 1.8T has a 5,000 mile oil change interval.
 
TornadoRed

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k0rson said:
I own a 2006 Rabbit gasoline (2.5L), and I am also looking around for the 'best' oil for my first oil change.
Click to expand...
I would hope that your owner's manual has accurate information about the specification(s) which your motor oil should meet.

A quick search at www.vwvortex.com reveals that VW502.00 is the basic requirement. And that each oil change takes 6 liters and maybe just a little bit more.
 
Bob_Fout

Bob_Fout

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tjl said:
In the US, VW recommends VW 502.00 rated oil for gasoline engines. Also, the 1.8T has a 5,000 mile oil change interval.
Click to expand...
AH, you're right. 505.00 meets 502.00 too though?

If there are no synthetic 502.00 oils for gassers (not sure if there are or not), then the 10K mile OCI has gotta be 505.00?

I corrected myself later on about the 1.8T OCI.:D
 
dieseldorf

dieseldorf

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Bob_Fout said:
AH, you're right. 505.00 meets 502.00 too though?
Click to expand...
Bob:

505.00 = diesel standard

502.00 = gas standard

They are not one in the same.
 
Bob_Fout

Bob_Fout

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dieseldorf said:
Bob:

505.00 = diesel standard

502.00 = gas standard

They are not one in the same.
Click to expand...
Then what oils can be used in the 2.0 gasser that's good for 10K miles?
 
dieseldorf

dieseldorf

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Bob_Fout said:
Then what oils can be used in the 2.0 gasser that's good for 10K miles?
Click to expand...
an oil meeting VAG 502.00 :) - refer to the list several posts above ;)
 
Bob_Fout

Bob_Fout

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dieseldorf said:
Bob:

505.00 = diesel standard

502.00 = gas standard

They are not one in the same.
Click to expand...
The back of my bottle of Castrol Syntec meets VAG 502.00 and 505.00.

So, using this oil in a gasser would allow 10K mile OCI?
 
dieseldorf

dieseldorf

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Bob_Fout said:
The back of my bottle of Castrol Syntec meets VAG 502.00 and 505.00.

So, using this oil in a gasser would allow 10K mile OCI?
Click to expand...
Yes, of course. It's a recommended product per the mfr's written guidelines.
 
TornadoRed

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Bob_Fout said:
The back of my bottle of Castrol Syntec meets VAG 502.00 and 505.00.

So, using this oil in a gasser would allow 10K mile OCI?
Click to expand...
Probably 5k miles. Maybe 6k.

In a diesel it is not recommended past 10k miles. Some other oils are, but Syntec is not of their calibre.
 
Bob_Fout

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TornadoRed said:
Probably 5k miles. Maybe 6k.

In a diesel it is not recommended past 10k miles. Some other oils are, but Syntec is not of their calibre.
Click to expand...
The link from Bently shows 10K mile OCI as recommended by VW for the 2.0...so which is it?
 
T

tjl

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Bob_Fout said:
The back of my bottle of Castrol Syntec meets VAG 502.00 and 505.00.

So, using this oil in a gasser would allow 10K mile OCI?
Click to expand...
VW 2.0L and VR6 gasoline engines are specified for 10,000 mile oil changes, while the 1.8L turbo engine and the V6 as used in the b5 Passat are specified for 5,000 mile oil changes. All are now supposed to use VW 502.00 rated oil.
 
T

tjl

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Bob_Fout said:
AH, you're right. 505.00 meets 502.00 too though?
Click to expand...
No, although there are many oils that are VW certified for both VW 502.00 and VW 505.00 (including Castrol Syntec 5W-40).

But note that some VW 505.00 rated oils do not meet VW 502.00 -- in particular many of the VW 505.01 rated oils (which commonly list VW 500.00/505.00/505.01, but not VW 502.00).
 
TornadoRed

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Bob_Fout said:
The link from Bently shows 10K mile OCI as recommended by VW for the 2.0...so which is it?
Click to expand...
I was responding to someone who asked about the Rabbit 2.5-liter gas engine.

If I'd given it a bit more thought, I would have
1) gone here: http://www.vw.com/spweb/pages/spweb/serv_maint_part.jsp

2) or guessed at a longer oil change interval, since the 2.5 holds over 6 liters of oil in the sump.

Per VWoA, the 2.5 gets the oil changed at 5k, 10k, then every 10k after.

VW 502.00 spec.
 
A

alcub17

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I own a 2003 TDI Jetta.

switched from Mobil 1 T&SUV 15w-40 fully sythetic to Mobil 1 Clean 7500 5w-30.

both are great, although felt a smoother ride with 7500

both CH-4 certified. Pricey at $6/quart US
 
dieseldorf

dieseldorf

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alcub17 said:
both are great, although felt a smoother ride with 7500

both CH-4 certified. Pricey at $6/quart US
Click to expand...

That's odd, the product sold in the USA doesn't meet the CH-4 spec and isn't suitable for use in ANY TDi. You Canadians get all the breaks :eek:

Applications

Mobil Clean 7500 5W-20 is recommended for vehicles which call for an API certified (Starburst) , 5W-20 viscosity grade engine oil such as 2001 and newer model year Ford automobiles, 1998 and newer model year Honda Accords, 1996 and newer Honda Civics, and certain 2005 Chrysler vehicles. This unique viscosity grade should be used only in automobiles that require a 5W-20 lubricant and it is not recommended for use in other vehicles. Mobil Clean 7500 5W-30 and Mobil Clean 7500 10W-30 are recommended for gasoline fueled automobiles and light duty trucks requiring an API SM, SL or SJ product or API CF or CD. They meet ILSAC GF-4 (Starburst Certification Symbol). Before using Mobil Clean 7500 performance motor oil, consult the owner's manual of the vehicle for the manufacturer's recommended viscosity grade and API Service Classification. Mobil Clean 7500 should not be used to extend drain intervals under certain consumer or commercial severe service applications involving racing, frequent towing or hauling, extremely dusty or dirty conditions, or excessive idling. If your vehicle is covered by a warranty or is equipped with an oil life sensor, follow recommended oil change intervals. Proper maintenance practices, including frequently checking the oil level to ensure that the appropriate oil level is maintained, are required to ensure effective performance.
Click to expand...
 
dieseldorf

dieseldorf

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Yes, good, sound recommendations by somebody that can't read. :rolleyes:

At what point in time did the Mobil 7500 meet Cx-4 classification?

alcub17 said:
Hey all,

FYI:

If you live close to Detroit (Michigan) Murray's Auto Parts chain carries Mobil 1 Clean 7500 5w-30, as well as M1 T&SUV 15w-40.

T&SUV 15w-40 is fully synthetic. Both are around $6/quart

I have tried both and would recommend Clean 7500. Just feels like there is less sluggishness after putting on 5000K after oil change.
Click to expand...
 
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