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Engine oil..... 200 1985

Need a thought on modern oil..I know some of the newer oil today is way ahead in quality from the old days..my question is...I'm looking at using some 5-40 euro oil in my red block engine..Please only those answer that have real tech behind the answer..I don't want opinions..Thanks!








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    Engine oil..... 200 1985

    If you look up the recommended oil in the owners manual, in average climates 10W30 is recommended. For a high mileage engine, consider going up one grade to 10W40, which is what others here suggest and I always prefer. My wise old Volvo-trained indie mechanic was surprised I hadn't done that sooner.

    Additionally, if you've got a leaky engine, consider using a "high mileage" oil. These contain seal conditioners that keep the seals puckered and pliable to prevent leaks. If your engine seals are in good shape then seal conditioners can actually make the seals wear faster, so in that case high mileage oil isn't recommended. However, if your seals are weeping then a high mileage oil can buy you more time until the next T-belt change when it's more convenient to replace the front seals. Of more importance to me is keeping the rear main seal from weeping as it's a major deal to replace it, so I will often go with a high mileage oil when I can find it on sale.

    Synthetic is of course preferred over dino oil, but these engines are built like tanks and will happily run on dino oil. More important is to change the oil and filter regularly, using a quality oil and quality filter like the Mann filter that many of us religiously use. When initially switching to synthetic, consider an initial early oil change as a lot of old deposits will be loosened. The dipstick can give you a good idea how long the oil is staying nice and clean.

    Here's a good article I found on 10W30 oils and high mileage engines
    https://www.autozone.com/diy/motor-oil/viscosity-5w20-vs-5w30-vs-10w30
    --
    Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now








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    Use 10W30 / 10W40 200 1985

    Why 5W?

    As the owner manual indicates. 10W30 or 10W40 in Summer, long drives, heavy towing.

    If you use synthetic like Mobil 1, 10W40 year round.

    Your high miles 1985 Volvo engine is not built with the far tighter tolerances or clearances like a new Honda, Toyota, VW.

    Oh My Dawg it's been like three days of a working site.

    Do we debate oil filters here also?

    --
    Give your brickboard.com a big thumbs up! Way up! - Roger Ebert & Gene Siskel






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      Use 10W30 / 10W40 200 1985


      Howdy Kit!

      Oil filters: Volvo or Mann end of story…
      Synthetic 5/40 won’t hurt a b230f engine. Almost nothing will hurt them. They are bomb 💣 and bulletproof….😄 You are correct, however. It isn’t necessary.

      Off to work….

      J


      --
      Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....








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      Engine oil..... 200 1985

      Hi there mister technician.

      You might go to this place and see what you are asking about.
      https://oilguidepro.com/engine-oil-compatibility-chart/

      After looking that over you might want to take the path of least resistance and trust the people at API or in EUROPE’s ACEA.

      Feel lucky that you have an older engine that has had all those worries worked out and was only about viscosity.

      With today’s engineering being presented, in the latest chain driven interference engines, that the oil is the least of their problems.

      The whole labeling system is being revamped here and abroad I guess?
      Just like car batteries you won’t know what you are using but it will have to have the right bar code for the computer or things in the car can go funky! Some real scamming is happening against the consumer.

      So, just cross your fingers that there are doing their best to keep the engines running somewhere long past their warranty period.

      Phil








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        Engine oil..... 200 1985


        I second checking API. I’m not a technical guy but they have been around as long as I can remember… I do know this. I have used Castrol forever and have never had an issue. Castrol Edge Extended Performance is the oil VW recommends for their modern cars. I believe other manufacturers recommend it too. It is certified by API and exceeds their service standards. I use it myself.

        --
        Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....








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      Engine oil..... 200 1985


      Is this full synthetic 5-40 oil? If so, you are fine. Volvo’s original oil recommendation was 10-30 conventional oil. 15-40 conventional in hot climates.

      How many miles on your engine and what weight oil have you been using? Does it use oil?

      --
      Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....







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