Okay I know this question will spark a lot of interest because everyone has an opinion just like belly buttons but hear goes. What oil and weights do you all use in your engines? I just put a new rebuilt engine in our TJ which came with Lucas 30w break in oil 6 qts that was to be changed after 500 miles. Coming up on that so just looking for thoughts as to what direction to go. According to the rebuilder they say 5w-30 for our area Northern Nevada but won't say a brand. I've always used Valvoline in different weights thru out the years. I run Castrol 5w30 in a Bronco ll with a transplanted 4.0 from an Explorer with good results. I hear a lot about using Diesel Rotela because of the Zinc. I don't care much for synthetics mainly because I'm old school and they weren't around as I was growing up but it seems as though that's all you can get any more. I'll stop hear and wait for you all to tell me what works for you and your thoughts why. As always thanks in advance.
What Engine oil for new engine
- Thread starter Blue 2000 TJ
- Start date
Personally I'd stick with the forum recommendation of 10w30 conventional high mileage.
Unless...the warranty for the engine specified a certain oil.
-Mac
Unless...the warranty for the engine specified a certain oil.
-Mac
The rebuilder did specify 5w30 based on manufacture Jeep recommendations. I haven't ever looked into the " high mileage" types of oils. Honestly was a little afraid of them because I didn't take the time to understand them. I really dislike synthetics as I've seen some bad things happen when they really get tested. I guess I'm more of a conventional/mineral oil kind of guy. A lot has been said about Zinc and the benefits it brings. There isn't a lot of Zinc in the oils of today as there was back 50 years ago. Thanks again for the insights and looking to other input.
I'll say after reading many of the oil breakdowns most 5/30 oils run 690 to 750 ppm zddp. The high miles stuff around 850 to 1100. Specialty oils up to 1850ppm. The commercial oils (diesel) run up as well on the zddp levels.T5,10/30 for example says it has 1181 ppm zddp, Rotella triple T Dino has 1225 . Think "synthetic tech" but its just highly refined dino turds IMO.
Ha Ha on the Dino turds. Very cute. I've been told that to much zddp can cause issues. Is that a thing with a gas motor compared to Diesel being a good thing? I'm guessing that being in that 700-900 ppm is the range I'm looking for. My search starts now with that end in mind. Thank you for the education. Never to old to learn stuff and being reminded of that each day as I get closer to another trip around the sun being on the horizon.
DuckNut
TJ Enthusiast
Personally I would be listening to what the builder told me to do. After the warranty is up, I might choose to listen to the internet, but probably still use what the builder told me to use.
Agree with that advice of sticking with the rebuilders recommendation as they're on the hook for 7 yrs/100k. Finding a quality 5w30 with zddp that doesn't break the bank every change is a concern as well. Good advice and thanks for that.
JKP
TJ Addict
You'll have to go to a Xw40 weight or higher to get decent ZDDP unless you go with a racing, diesel, specialty oil for old hot rods, etc. And even then, you'll probably have to get the Euro version.
I believe the current cap for any oil under 40 weight is 800 or so phosphorus.
Any of the energy conserving 30 weights are going to be on the lower end of 30 weight viscosity.
All the oil is going synthetic as that's the only way to meet the new oil specs.
You can find the specs on most oils on Bob Is the Oil Guy's site.
Having said all that, I went with the M1 0W-40 Euro in my YJ and TJ. Over 300K mi on the YJ, right at 280K on the TJ. I have had done oil analysis done on both and the reports looked good.
I believe the current cap for any oil under 40 weight is 800 or so phosphorus.
Any of the energy conserving 30 weights are going to be on the lower end of 30 weight viscosity.
All the oil is going synthetic as that's the only way to meet the new oil specs.
You can find the specs on most oils on Bob Is the Oil Guy's site.
Having said all that, I went with the M1 0W-40 Euro in my YJ and TJ. Over 300K mi on the YJ, right at 280K on the TJ. I have had done oil analysis done on both and the reports looked good.
A man after my heart owning a YJ and TJ Very informative and thank you for your time in explaining it. Keep Jeepin
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