Oil for Type 4, 2 litre, FI engine

I currently have SAE30 oil in my Type 4, 2 litre FI engine (newbie naivety last year when I got the bus!), however I've read quite a few posts on here saying that 15W/40 would be better.

I'm needing to drain my oil anyway for doing a couple of other jobs and so figured I should change to 15W/40 while at it - and by changing to it I'm hoping it might resolve a couple of problems I'm seeing (slightly low oil pressure and a noisy follower).

Anyway, my question is, should I use synthetic or mineral 15W/40 and are there any particular brands of oil that are recommended or to be avoided?

It's also been suggested that you should "flush" your oil before changing between SAE30 and 15W/40 - can somebody confirm whether I should do this and if so give me a run down of the proceedure for doing it as it's not something I've needed to do before?

Finally, I'm assuming I'll need to change my oil filter at the same time (it has only been in for about 300 miles) - is there anything else I need to change/clean when changing between oil grades?

Thanks.

Nick...

 

pass the popcorn would you old chap?

 

I used 20W50 on recommendation. It's cheap as chip oil too.

 

i'm a 2litre f.i and i use 10/40 semi synth, shoot me.

 

There used to be a lengthy thread on this one.

Personally I use the halfords mineral classic oil, have done for years and never experienced any issues.

Good thing is its a) the grade quoted by vw, b) green, so you see when it has degraded as it changes colour and c) currently on special offer.

Yes, you will need to replace the spin on filter. I recommend the filter carried by GSF as it has a spanner lug on the bottom so easier to get off next time around. I'd also recommend that you replace the sump gauze filter too.

I wouldn't bother with a flush, just make sure you have it on level ground and drain all the old out. Take the van for a short 10 minute run first to get the oil nice and warm, its easier to drain that way

 

Remember you need 3.5L of oil - so I've been told.

 

I've changed to 15/40 on recommendation from here and seems spot on.

 

Same here. No probs so far.

 

I've got 20W50 (millers) as specified by VW and it seems fine.

 

15w40 mineral. Meant to be better on seals.

 

Halfords classic in mine

 

15/40 in mine and its staying that way as:-
A) I've had no problems with either the bug or the bus.
B) It's free as there's a 205 litre drum of it!

 

valvoline vr1 for me

 

I use butter cream taken from 30 Victoria sponges give or take a little jam. I've been known to add some tears of a virgin. Works like slick 50 if you're catholic so I'm told.

 

Sorry I couldn't resist.

I use 10-40 semi syn.

 

It was "oil" he was asking about not "lubricant" @Birdy !!!

 

Not the 1st time you've used that excuse.

 

I usually use "SURPRISE" as an excuse.

 

not air