So I decided to use Esso XD3 0W40 in my VR6 GTi. It

 

Well, I don't think you'll have a problem running it... Out of curiousity why are you considering that particular oil?

Next oil change I'm going to drop in Mobil 1 0w40 (which is more like a 0w35). Really, other than a possible consumption increase, there shouldn't be any negatives for that weight oil. But I've installed KrankVents in my S2, so it doesn't consume any oil. Start-up wear with the 0w40 should decrease, and at operating temp things should be a bit better protected.

If cleaning is what you're after, the diesel oil might clean the engine a little. But if you think you have sludge/deposit problems, I'd run Auto-Rx in the engine as it's a legitimate metal cleaning oil additive. I noticed your post over on BITOG... check in the oil additives forum to find out more about Auto-Rx if you want to clean your engine and seals.

 

^^ yeah, ive done all the research on BITOG...XD3 has only been getting positive feedback. Im just curious because XD3 is much more cheaper then M1/Castrol 40wts in Canada, plus it seems that the XD3 is a superior product. So if its a superior product at a cost savings then why not?.....

 

I doubt that XD3 won't perform well. Do 4k-5k mile OCI's, and you should be a happy camper. You could even sample the oil after your interval, and do a UOA for peace of mind.

 

Weird, I was typing my reply to your post over on BITOG and just happened to view this forum before I posted. Anyways, I used to run Rotella T Full Synthetic 5w40 in my '03. On my last change I put in Mobil 1 0w30. At first I didn't notice a bit of difference but the more I drive the car the more I notice little areas where the engine is more willing to rev throughout the whole RPM range. Also, the revs don't feel as "heavy" with a 30 weight oil, the engine builds RPMs more quickly. IMHO, this engine likes 30 weight oils. If I were you I'd be running the XD3, which is a truly excellent oil, but I'd be running a 0w30.

For what it's worth, I won't be running Mobil anymore after this fill. This'll be my last car that isn't switched over to Pennzoil Platinum.....yet. That stuff is cheap, for the money you can't beat the performance. The way I see it, I'll just change it a little more often than an equivalent HDEO and still come out ahead with the cost savings. Just my 2c.

 

90crvtec Posted on Feb 28 2007, 05:21 AM
Check & double check

Anyway..
As mentioned on BITOG as well the 0W-40 is a "thick" 40 weight.
Follow the link (Esso XD-3 Extra) on the Esso page to the specs (pdf file) and you'll see what I'm talking about.
In those specs they admit their 0 weights are synthetic oils (PAO) and thats
Look at page 2-3 for that.
15.7 cSt for a 40 weight is "thick", so is 12.1 cSt for a 30 weight.
My 0W-30 is 9.6 cSt
Notice that their (dino group III) 5W-30 is thinner across the temp range when warmed up.
Just not as thin at really low temps.

Depending on the outside temps you start your car in both are an option I guess.
If you want the full advantage of a thin oil, get a full syn (PAO & Ester), lower then 10 cSt, xxW-30 oil.
If you start your car in low temps the "xx" should be as low as possible.

90crvtec Posted on Feb 28 2007, 05:21 AM
I've noticed that too.
First I was thinking I was imagining it (as if I wanted to notice a difference with "thin" oil) but after a while I'm getting more convinced it is true.
I went from a 13.2 cSt oil to a 9.6 cSt oil.
Thats a 27 % drop.

 

Interesting comments. keep them comming. Im no oil guru, and im still learning this stuff. Like I said i have Castrol 5W40 in my S2 now. I put the oil in before winter storage and havent had a chance to drive it and see/feel the difference in drivability. In the last 2 years Ive been using Amsoil 10W30 (in gold bottle). Some of the information ive come across has indicated that Amsoil is not what it use to be and has fallen to the same direction that Castrol and Mobil has gone. Changing their formulation from a group IV to a group III. I like the idea of the XD3 0W30 in the F20C. Come spring ill drive with the 5W40 and try to notice any drivability differences and do a UOA...then halfway into the summer season switch to XD3 0W30 and do a UOA again. It would be interesting to see the difference.

All the XD3 UOA's on BITOG ive seen BTW, have come out with outstanding results..

 

still havent heard from RR..

 

He hasn't been on the board for quite some time.