Winter oil recommendations
11-01-2002, 09:37 AM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Winter oil recommendations
It's coming up to that time of the year when I want to do the prewinter oil change on my '86 3.2.
For the summer months ( and track days) it has Castrol 10-50.
During the April- Oct period the car gets out at least 3-4 times a week, because of the snow/rain/ slush/road salt possibilities around here during the winter it may sit for 1-2 weeks before an ice cold start/drive.
Motor has no leaks, burns very little(91K miles). I'm reluctant to go synthetic at this point.
Recommended oil for the winter? Thanks.
For the summer months ( and track days) it has Castrol 10-50.
During the April- Oct period the car gets out at least 3-4 times a week, because of the snow/rain/ slush/road salt possibilities around here during the winter it may sit for 1-2 weeks before an ice cold start/drive.
Motor has no leaks, burns very little(91K miles). I'm reluctant to go synthetic at this point.
Recommended oil for the winter? Thanks.
11-01-2002, 12:17 PM
#2
Technical Specialist
Rennlist
Lifetime Member
Rennlist
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The current Porsche recommendation (June 2001) on oils for use in all 4,6, and 8 cylinder Porsche engines since 1973 is:
Castrol/Syntec......................... 5W-50
Mobil 1................................ 0W-40, 5W-40
Sun Oil/Sunoco Synturo Gold............ 5W-40
Texaco/Havoline Formula 3 Synthetic.... 5W-40
Valvoline/High Performance Synthetic... 5W-30
Viscosities recommended for the Turbo are 0W-40, 5W-40 and 5W-50. The nW-30 weight oils are approved to 85 degrees F. Greater than 85 degrees F should use nW-40 and above. Alan Caldwell (PCA Technical expert on 1989 and earlier 911's) has noted that conversion to synthetics in 1978 and later engines should not cause any undo problems.
I switched to Mobil 1 15W-50 in my 81SC at a bit over 100K miles, and didn't have any leakage or other problems with it.a
Castrol/Syntec......................... 5W-50
Mobil 1................................ 0W-40, 5W-40
Sun Oil/Sunoco Synturo Gold............ 5W-40
Texaco/Havoline Formula 3 Synthetic.... 5W-40
Valvoline/High Performance Synthetic... 5W-30
Viscosities recommended for the Turbo are 0W-40, 5W-40 and 5W-50. The nW-30 weight oils are approved to 85 degrees F. Greater than 85 degrees F should use nW-40 and above. Alan Caldwell (PCA Technical expert on 1989 and earlier 911's) has noted that conversion to synthetics in 1978 and later engines should not cause any undo problems.
I switched to Mobil 1 15W-50 in my 81SC at a bit over 100K miles, and didn't have any leakage or other problems with it.a
11-01-2002, 12:50 PM
#4
Technical Specialist
Rennlist
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[quote]<strong> Does the synthetic offer any advantages during the ice cold winter starts? How about cooling during the 90deg plus track days?</strong><hr></blockquote>
I believe synthetics remain a pourable liquid to lower temps than standard oil, however they still have a range (5w-30, for example) where they are meant to work. On the other end, they do have a higher temperature where they break down, over dino oils (which is helpful in an overheating or hot running situation). I would recommend Mobil 1 15w-50 (or similar synthetic) if your track temps are up in the 250 degree range. If they're higher than 250-260, that's an overheating problem which needs dealing with. However, I wouldn't say synthetics cool any better than dino oils (cooling being more a function of oil coolers). Some have found their oil consumption is reduced with synthetics, as there aren't as many additives as in dino oils to burn off.
I believe synthetics remain a pourable liquid to lower temps than standard oil, however they still have a range (5w-30, for example) where they are meant to work. On the other end, they do have a higher temperature where they break down, over dino oils (which is helpful in an overheating or hot running situation). I would recommend Mobil 1 15w-50 (or similar synthetic) if your track temps are up in the 250 degree range. If they're higher than 250-260, that's an overheating problem which needs dealing with. However, I wouldn't say synthetics cool any better than dino oils (cooling being more a function of oil coolers). Some have found their oil consumption is reduced with synthetics, as there aren't as many additives as in dino oils to burn off.
