[Inarticulate]

Hey,
I'm a bit new to Diesel engines. They do seem to be quite different from Gas, that's for sure. I have a '98 Jetta TDI. Anyway, my friend told me that some of the best oil to get is Royal Purple and he told me to get 15W-40. Simple. I ran to my local parts store and found the only royal purple on the shelf. I guess I wasn't paying much attention that day. Not sure what was on my mind. Anyway, they didn't have 15w so I got the 10w instead. Oh, but only after I complete the oil change did I realize it was actually 10w-30 rated for gasoline engines! I told him this and he's pretty sure it won't hurt anything, as long as I don't drive it too hard and maybe change the oil after 3,000mi. However, I have a nice 500 mile drive to do this weekend. I will be rolling 4 deep, with cargo, and I'll be taking the interstate (keepin' it to 70mph).

SO. I guess what I want to know is, can any of you grease monkeys tell me if this really will hurt my engine or not? What would you advise? AND, could it be possible to simply add something to the oil to fix this? I'd rather not waste $30 of otherwise good motor oil... Thanks for any help on this.

 

[Eliam Sylin]

Well.. I'm no diesel expert by any means.. But I would suggest that you change the oil and put the right oil in there before you go. Why take the chance when its only a few bucks to change it.

~E

 

[Inarticulate]

Anyone with a little more experience want to give an opinion? I just talked to another older mechanic and he didn't seem to think it would hurt anything either. He had an old diesel rabbit and claimed he's used 10w30 in there, too.

 

[Dmez]

All it is is a difference in oil weights.

Your just using a slightly lighter oil than what is "recommended"

you should be fine as long as your not running high rpm/high load for an extended amount of time.

diesels don't run high rpm's as it is so yea you'll survive till ur next change.

 

[VRoooom98]

you should just change your oil its easy and its always a good thing to do why not????

 

[kwikdiesel]

To avoid damage and ensure the longevity of your TDI you really should get the proper oil in it. TDi's should have ONLY diesel specific CH-4 rated synthetic oil of 5W40 weight. This is very different oil designed for the high load and soot generated in a high performance diesel engine. Gas engines have ratings such as SG or SH and are not suitable or rated for diesel application.

You may have to hunt for these, however I buy Rotella at Wal Mart (the only thing I buy there....). Here are some of the approved oils: (they are all full synthetic, CH-4 rated and 5w40 weight)

Shell Rotella T
Mobil Delvac (NOT Mobil 1)
Chevron Delo 400
Amsoil Series 3000
Redline

Again, be sure you get diesel specific CH-4 rated full synthetic oil.

 

[NeverFast]

So Sweet and simple "Change It"

 

[nitroscope8]

I agree you need to change it. This oil is not rated for your engine and will break down early...if it hasn't already, from the high acid and soot of the oil. PLEASE change the oil AND filter before your trip!

 

[Break4Euro]

Shouldnt hurt it, But if your worried about it than drain it out!.