Disco 2 Is this safe? TD5 5w30 change to 5w40

Hey up guys,

got an 03 auto td5 disco. I’ve only had it for 8/9 months or so and, as far as I know, it’s only been on 5w30. I put new (5w30) oil & filters in it about 6,000 miles ago. It’s now time to do it again and I am about to put some 5w40 (PD comma full synthetic) in it along with two new filters. Is that going to be ok? Or will it kick up some problems?

Is it ok to change the oil viscosity?
do I need to “drain the system” anymore than a usual oil change?
It’s ok on startup atm but you can hear that it’s a 20 year old diesel for the first 20/60 seconds.. is thicker oil going to make that worse? (Even though it’s the same winter number/rating)

Thanks everyone!

As I understand it! It depends on what or doing with the car?
Normal-ish driving is ok for 30!
Towing, off road (at weekends) and Green laning! 40 is possible at better one!
I'm also sure the is a post on landyzone somewhere?

Also have a look at the link:
https://www.carbibles.com/guide-to-engine-oil/?amp

Kev

Thanks Kev,

Im daily driving it 50 miles a day 5 a week. Maybe a bit of green lane-ing on the weekend.

My main aim is to prolong life of engine as much as poss.

Thanks for link

Chazb5046 said:

Thanks Kev,

Im daily driving it 50 miles a day 5 a week. Maybe a bit of green lane-ing on the weekend.

My main aim is to prolong life of engine as much as poss.

Thanks for link

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It will make no difference to the life of the engine.
And usage makes no difference, heavy use doesn't heat up the engine any more, because the radiator has excess cooling capacity, and there is a thermostat.
Heavier oils are for warmer climates. But it will do no harm, maybe just cost you a few quid in fuel over a winter, because the oil is thicker.

Turboman said:

It will make no difference to the life of the engine.
And usage makes no difference, heavy use doesn't heat up the engine any more, because the radiator has excess cooling capacity, and there is a thermostat.
Heavier oils are for warmer climates. But it will do no harm, maybe just cost you a few quid in fuel over a winter, because the oil is thicker.

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Isn’t there something to using thicker oils for older engines. As it compensates for worn parts. Or is that an old wife’s tale?

Chazb5046 said:

Isn’t there something to using thicker oils for older engines. As it compensates for worn parts. Or is that an old wife’s tale?

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Probably an old wives tale. Oil will not hold worn bearing shells apart, or repair failed gaskets.
In 40 years of operating all sorts of engines, petrol and diesel, in all kinds of stages of wear, I have never used different oils to that recommended by the manufacturers.
I suspect this idea has arisen from people getting problems from using very thin modern oils in older engines, which does often result in problems.

The 5W40 PD oil will be perfect for the Td5. Here's a clear answer to your question https://services.totalenergies.uk/difference-between-5w30-5w40-engine-oil

Turboman said:

Probably an old wives tale. Oil will not hold worn bearing shells apart, or repair failed gaskets.
In 40 years of operating all sorts of engines, petrol and diesel, in all kinds of stages of wear, I have never used different oils to that recommended by the manufacturers.
I suspect this idea has arisen from people getting problems from using very thin modern oils in older engines, which does often result in problems.

Click to expand...

Right oh thanks pal

sierrafery said:

The 5W40 PD oil will be perfect for the Td5. Here's a clear answer to your question https://services.totalenergies.uk/difference-between-5w30-5w40-engine-oil

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Funnily enough it was you who put me on to it, albeit indirectly. I’ve spent a bit of time reading around the internet on oil for TD5s; and found some posts from you a couple of years ago arguing for it. Convinced me!

5w40 is slightly thicker when warm than 5w30. It will increase oil pressure in older engines, but runs the risk of not lubricating parts such as turbo's, where theres tight tolerances.. Ask me how I know, with a new turbo fitted to my 1 Series M sport.... Previous owner stuck thicker oil in to compensate for a low oil pressure warning indicator coming on when warm. 4 months into owning the car, turbo gave up the ghost, due to oil starvation of the bearings.

I doubt it matters much in a TD5 though....