What grade oil to run in Canberra?

Joined: 23 May 2004 Location: Canberra

Hi all

Recently moved to Canberra from West Oz and now the weather is getting cold was wondering what grade /brands oil people are running?

I have had a look through the owners manual and it recommends 20W/50 or 15W/40 for prolonged use in snow areas in the engine and for the transmission/transfer same as the engine or 5W/30 or gearoil 75W/85.

The izusu workshop manual is a little more descriptive and give temp ranges for the various recommended grades.

The gearbox is a little reluctant to change down gears when it is cold in the morning but when it warms up its fine so its time to chage the oil to something more suitable to the climate it now lives in.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Regards
Beeno

Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Location: Nannup, Western Australia

Hi and welcome!

I am sure that a little detail would help. What model vehicle do you have, engine, etc...

Noel

Joined: 23 May 2004 Location: Canberra

Noel

Oops. forgot the really important stuff.

The Beast is a 97 LWB 3.2 L V6 Jackaroo.
Its pretty much standard except for the Bull bar, driving lights and sidesteps. Tthinking of adding a small lift and possibly LPG if i can get it at the right price and the right sort of tank.

The jack was bloody good in the sand in WA and are pleasently surprised just how well it goes in the "rough stuff" here in the brindies. Have got to be careful with it as it is my daily driver.

attached is a pic of the truck on a really miserable day on the way to Mt Coree.

Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Location: Nannup, Western Australia

Hehe, no worries! Very Happy

Being from the West myself I am sure that we dont know what cold is so cant help myself. Sure someone will pitch in Though...

Cheers,

Noel

Joined: 23 Sep 2003 Location: Tingalpa, Brisbane

I guess the Frontera uses a similar engine and manual tranmission so perhaps what I've done may apply. Just FYI otherwise, but I'm using Shell Helix Ultra full synthetic (5w-40) in Engine, Gearbox and Transfer case. I can see no reason from my research and discussions with Holden as to why I can't. Very convenient that you have to use engine oil in the box. The only provisio is that you maintain the high end rating to that of the manufacturer. Ie the 40. The viscosity can be as low as you want. In colder climates this will be a big advantage as the oil will remain very fluid. But from my point of view it's more for the reduced friction. Lower friction right through the drive train will give more Kw to the rear wheels and perhaps increase the Km/L a tad. Holden advised that Mobil 1 would be fine, but the Shell equivalent is much cheaper and the same product essentially. The gearbox did improve slightly with using this oil but notchiness is a fact of life in cold weather. A friend with a new BA XR6 Turbo even complains of notchiness until it gets warnmed. The synthetic has been in now for 10k and there has been no problems. Seat of the pants feel initially was that it reved out much more easily. ( Have a K&N filter as well which helps as well).

Joined: 23 May 2004 Location: Canberra

Thanks wayne or the brand tip. I was looking at running mobil 1 but will have a look for the shell product.

Agree with your comments about keeping the upper viscosity as close to the spec as possible. The lower viscosity is the cols temp spec while the upper on is the hot spec. ie when cold the oil will be have as a Aw grade oil but when it is hot is will lubricate as a Yw grade oil.

The gearbox is really notchy when it is cold but then it is still running "warm weather" oil. will give the 5W40 a look.

Cheers
Ben.