Oil recommendations, sources, caution about alternatives

[dwkoski]

I spoke with Tony Shute at the LOG in Birmingham, Alabama last year about this and he was adament that only 5-40 should be used. As Havoline was not available in this part of the midwest, I have used Mobil One 5-40 (which the container describes as "truck-SUV" oil). I have twelve thousand miles on the clock at this time. Incidentally, the dealer did the thousand mile check up and used Castrol Synthetic 20-50 which I removed and replaced with Mobil One (no' I didn't change the oil in the coolers. ) Incidentally, according to an engineer at Lubrisol that I discussed oil changes with once upon a time, Mixing brands is not a good idea because of possible incompatibility in the additive packages.

[AlanS]

Originally Posted by BadakVT

Have anybody tried Castrol Syntec 5w-50? I'm currently using this oil since I believe this is a good combination for cold weather and good protection for the track.

I believe that's what my dealer (Lotus Motorsports in MA) put in my car at the 1000 mile service. I have had some reservations about Syntec since I saw this thread about synthetic oils and base stocks:

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8142

However, it seems that Havoline is also a Group III synthetic like Castrol's. If Lotus recommends a 5W40 synthetic, why would 5W50 be detrimental? It seems it would have similar cold-temperature viscosity for starting but would provide better protection at high temperatures.

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by AlanS

why would 5W50 be detrimental? It seems it would have similar cold-temperature viscosity for starting but would provide better protection at high temperatures.

No, it would be thicker (more viscus) than it should be when the engine is warmed up - 50W instead of 40W. The oil wouldn't be flowing as well as it should be. At least in Lotus' opinion, but what do they know...

[sandsmuseum]

I thought if I could find the recommended oil, I would stick with it during the warranty period. I called the Havoline distributor and found it was available in my area.

In fact Oil Changers in Sunnyvale has it and charge less than $5 for a quart. I have been using it since.

I suggest looking up Havoline on the web and then giving a call to the nearest distributor. You might be surprised at how cheap and close the oil is...

Michael

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by revo303

I was looking for Mobil 1 5W-40 and they had 0W-40.

From a previous post: "I spoke with Tony Shute at the LOG in Birmingham, Alabama last year about this and he was adamant that only 5-40 should be used."

If you are looking for Mobil 1 5W-40, look for it labeled as "Truck and SUV oil".

[GAJ]

When I had my 1k service done I noticed that my dealer used 10w-30 oil which differs from the 5W-40 that the manual states. They said that's what they've used on all the cars they'd serviced and is "better due to our hot climate." Didn't make sense to me (30 better than 40 in a hot climate?...I don't think so). So I sent an email to LCOA to see if there would be any issues and to confirm that my warranty would not be in jeopardy. Their answer is as follows (and I actually got a phone call from them, too. Now THAT's customer service):

Good afternoon Mr. James

Thank you for your email, as per our telephone conversation today, Lotus
Cars USA only recommends that a fully synthetic 5W/40 oil is used after
the running in period oil has been drained at the aftersales service.

I'm sure that no damage will occur due to the use of Mobile 1 10W-30 as
used by [your dealer], but technically they should have only used 5W/40 as
per the recommended lubricants page as noted in the owners handbook.

[Your dealer] is rectifying this situation with their oil
representative as we speak and has said that they will happily carry out a
free oil change when they have the correct grade oil

I would recommend calling them in a week or so if they have not contacted
you by then.

Regards,

Andy Plant
Warranty Manager

I figure, if the factory says use 5W-40, that's fine with me. I decided to go ahead and put Mobil 1 5W-40 in myself rather than go thru the hassle of going all the way back to the dealer, which is kinda far away.

[alana]

The oil as recommended by Lotus is available at any VW dealer. It is also required in their higher performance cars.