"Bob Hobden" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:
[email protected]...
>
> "Huw" wrote in reply to
>>
>> "Rob Knot"
>>> Looking in my TD5 Handbook, it quotes ACEA B1 & B2 engine oils as
>>> suitable.
>>>
>>> What about B3?
>>>
>>> Does this just at least comply with the other B1 & B2?
>>>
>>
>> There is nothing special in B1 or B2 oil.
>> I haven't looked into B3 but it doesn't always hold true that the next
>> number up is better. An example is ACEA E5 which is quite inferior to E4
>> except that it conforms to some different emission regulations.
>>
>> FWIW and unless indicated to the contrary, I would almost certainly use
>> synthetic oil meeting ACEA E4 and MB228.5 specifications in the engine at
>> the first service and later. This is what I use in the BMW engined Range
>> Rover and is far superior to what LR specify as acceptable.
>> IMHO LR are lax in their minimum oil requirement and always have been.
>> They were 15 years too late specifying better oil for their gearboxes and
>> they do not specify anything like the quality of oil that BMW does for
>> the same engines with the same service intervals. It is almost as if they
>> actually want their engines to wear out prematurely.
>>
>
> BMW have their own spec longlife oil made by Castrol it's SLX LL04 and is
> 0w-30.
Land Rover do not specify that quality of oil in the TD4 and TD6 engines.
>ACEA A3/B3/B4/C3 whatever than means.
Well it means all things to all men. Too many specifications without being
specific about the minimum requirement. ACEA is the European engine
constructors accociation which sets performance standards, similar to the
American API. Some of the above are petrol standards and some diesel. I
honestly don't think Land Rover know what should be used. At the least they
are not good at articulating plainly.
>
> So what oil would you use in my 90 van engine and gearbox Huw? Both are
> due for a change as are all the fluids.
> It's a 1987 2.5 petrol with the LT77 gearbox and I'd prefer to use the
> best oil available.
>
> Handbook says ...
> Engine ...Castrol GTX 15w-50
> Gearbox... Castrol TQF
>
Brand is not important. Any petrol oil meeting API SG will be good for your
engine. Personally I would use a long drain multifleet mineral oil meeting
API SG or SL *and* diesel API CG4 or CH4 in 15w/40 viscosity because it is a
superb specification which gives some considerable leeway for extending the
service interval with confidence if you are forgetful or on a holiday etc
when service falls due.
Your gearbox recommendation for ATF is obsolete and superseded by MTF94 type
oil which is compatible, so no worries about what is left in there mixing
with the new MTF.
Both the above oils are readily available at all factors.
The transfer box takes any oil but I would always use a light viscosity oil
because it aids economy and splashes to the top shafts better. Mine has
always been run on SAE 75 equivalent, specifically Super Tractor Oil
Universal of 10w/30 viscosity. I use this spec because it is nice and thin
and has exceptional qualities, being suitable for differentials [which you
have in the transfer box] and epicyclic geartrains in the heaviest of
industrial equipment. It is also suitable for wet brakes and clutch packs,
but that is incidental. It is also suitable for any manual gearbox wanting
EP75w/80 and probably your main gearbox, although I would stick with the MT
specific oil.
You wanted the best, presumably at an economic price, and you have got it.
Huw
