Another engine oil question
Another engine oil question
(OP)
Yesterday I had the oil changed in my 2000 VW Passat, 2.8L V6. (I don't own a garage yet and don't want to change my oil on the street in front of my apartment).
The tech "mistakenly" put conventional Wolf's Head 15W-40 oil in instead of synthetic (they carry Pentosyn 5W-40) which I asked for. I've been running synthetic since break-in (break-in was conventional). Mobil-1 mostly, then to Castrol Syntec. Turns out the M1 doesn't have VW 502.00 approval. I did hear M1 makes a 0W-40 that does meet VW's spec, but good luck finding any.
http://www .vw.com/vw com/conten t/objects/ pdf/servic e_maint/oi lchart.pdf
Finally to the question: Besides a shorter change interval, will running conventional oil affect anything on an engine that's been running synthetic for 50,000 miles? Should I go back and insist they put synthetic in ASAP or wait until I drive 3000 miles? When I do go for my next change, should I again put synthetic in (I'm thinking yes)?
BTW, I know all about the differences between synthetic and conventional oil, so I don't need that explained. I'm just not fully versed on putting conv. in an engine that's only run syn.
The tech "mistakenly" put conventional Wolf's Head 15W-40 oil in instead of synthetic (they carry Pentosyn 5W-40) which I asked for. I've been running synthetic since break-in (break-in was conventional). Mobil-1 mostly, then to Castrol Syntec. Turns out the M1 doesn't have VW 502.00 approval. I did hear M1 makes a 0W-40 that does meet VW's spec, but good luck finding any.
http://www
Finally to the question: Besides a shorter change interval, will running conventional oil affect anything on an engine that's been running synthetic for 50,000 miles? Should I go back and insist they put synthetic in ASAP or wait until I drive 3000 miles? When I do go for my next change, should I again put synthetic in (I'm thinking yes)?
BTW, I know all about the differences between synthetic and conventional oil, so I don't need that explained. I'm just not fully versed on putting conv. in an engine that's only run syn.





RE: Another engine oil question
RE: Another engine oil question
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Another engine oil question
Outside of not doing what I asked, in your opinion,is there any problem with what they did? Will it cause any adverse effects?
They did knock a significant amount off the normal charge for an oil change (I'd pay more if I bought oil and filter and did it myself) since they screwed up.
RE: Another engine oil question
As far as simply Synthetic Vs. Conventional, I would have no problem. As to the viscosity, if you live in an extremely cold environment, then I would simply give it a bit of warm up time before driving.
Switching back will not be a problem. I do find it interesting that VW still runs 40 weight. I cant think of any other passenger car running 40 weight.
RE: Another engine oil question
RE: Another engine oil question
However, since I was concerned, he said to remind him the next time I bring it in and he'll put the synthetic in at 1/2 price. He also asked how long it'll take me to put 3k mi on it, and since I'm driving 500+ miles a week, I'll be seeing him again very soon.
So, by the time I'm ready for my next change, I'll be getting Pentosyn (the good stuff) for cheap, right about the time I'm closing on my house that has a garage (!) and is 47 miles closer to where I work. Then it should be quite a while before I have to worry about oil change, and I'll be able to do it myself.
But thanks guys, for all the input.
RE: Another engine oil question
rmw
RE: Another engine oil question
RE: Another engine oil question
RE: Another engine oil question