2.25 Diesel Engine oil

The question on what engine oil to use for the 2.25 Diesel has been asked quite often. However for the many threads there are yet more opinions still.

One thing I have seen said is that only oils sold for diesel engines should be used due to the anti-sludging agents. Also, mineral oil only was the general opinion I could find when I sarched.

However, the Land Rover green book recommends for some manufacturers the same oil for both the diesel and petrol engines. As my edition was published in the 1980s, I would think that most of these oils will have been discontinued. Also, oil chemistry will have improved since then.

This manusal seems to recommend 10w-40, 15w-40, 20w-40 (in one case) and 20w-50. It also recommends different grades depending on which manufacturer's column you are looking at. For exmple a Duckhams Hypergrade 15w-50 and Esso superlube 10w-40 and 20w-50. When this is the published information from Land Rover, this doesn't much help the confusion over what to use.

My local car spares shop stocks mostly Granville oils. Hypalube 15w-40 is sold as "suitable for older petrol and diesel engines whether turbo-charged or naturally aspirated". Their turbo diesel 15w-40 is also sold as being suitable for both turbo charged and non-turbo engines.

obviously this is a mixture of fact, manufacturer's advertising and personal opinion. it seems that all you can do here is make your own judgement.

Thanks for any opinions.

I use Millers Classic 20w /50. Not cheap but a good quality oil with additives.

I went through the same deliberations a when I bought mine 3 years ago but felt given the age of the engine and bearing clearances, the 20w/50 would be best.

^^^ Plus one on Millers 20/50 Or even Halfords 20/50 I think 10/40 is a bit lightweight for these older designed engines.

I did see a post advising against the millers classic as it apparently doesn't have any anti-sludging agents.

I use Smith and Allan 15w/40 - I buy it in 20ltr drums (about £55 inc delivery) so lasts for a few complete changes - seems good stuff to me

Webley1991 said:

I did see a post advising against the millers classic as it apparently doesn't have any anti-sludging agents.

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I couldn't find a 20w/ 50 oil that does now. Anyone aware of one? I emailed Opie Oils who recommended the Millers. I only do a few hundred miles between changes so probably not to much an issue for me.

thanks for the replies. I will probably go with the Granville 15w-40 as I need something in there sooner rather than later, as it will likely be standing for a while yet. I can pick the granville stuff up in a shop locally.

15w-40 is fine. That's what I use as it's tractor oil that I buy in 45 gallon drums. Just make sure it's Diesel specific as this has a higher concentration of detergent additives.

Being honest, any old Diesel engine oil will be fine in the old girls - just don't use modern ****y thin stuff.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

This is what I used in the end as the local shop I use had it there in the shop. It is sold as being suitable for older petrol and diesel engines.

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I also have a filter attachment from a 2.5 N/A engine fitted. This takes modern cartridge type filters so oil changes will be an easy job.