So the VW shop that rebuilt my engine had always recommended I use straight 40 weight motor oil. I took their word for it and have used it ever since my car has been running. Now I see that no one here on the world uses it! Have I been using the wrong motor oil? Should I switch? I live in Southern California so temps hit 100+ sometimes, and this is my daily driver.

I run straight 50w (valvine vr 50) in the summer and vr 30 in fall and spring.

Ok cool, so I'm not the only one running a single weight oil, I'll probably switch to 30 w in the next month or so for fall/winter

Back in the 60s, Porsche used to caution against multi-grade motor oils. By the mid 1970s the technology had changed and 20w50 became the oil of choice for 914s, at least in places like So Cal and other areas with a moderate to hot climate. That would include most of the US during the summer months. I would NEVER use a 50 wt. motor oil in a 914 unless it had a terrible low oil pressure problem, and then only until I could get it to a shop for repairs to correct the problem. Pretty much the same for 40 wt. The engine is still cold on startup, and that's where the "20" is important. The thin oil moves well through the engine when its cold, than the multi-viscosity additives kick in and increase the effective viscosity, providing the lubrication the engine needs when its hot. Really modern engines are designed to use even thinner oils, and current 911s call for 0w20 motor oil (many knowledgeable techs prefer 5w20). The tolerances and clearances are MUCH tighter and a thinner oil is required to flow properly.

Whatever brand you choose, be sure to get one with enough zinc to protect the flat tappet lifters and the camshaft.

The Cap'n

Thanks cap'n, so you'd recommend 20w50?

.... (some topics are beat to death)do some searches?

Yup.

http://www.penngrade1.com/

Translog, after an engine rebuild used SWEPCO 15W 40 Engine Oil in my 914 1.8L.
Remember that Oil is an important part of the Engine Cooling, different Oils heat and cool differently. Brad Pen would be my other choice.

....Alright! let's beat-it to DEATH...I agree with the VW shop!!!(914)

Are you being sarcastic? This VW shop works on 914s as well, I just call it a VW shop since it's not everyday they have a 914 being worked on. Anyway I believe the reason why they recommended straight 40 weight is due to the fact that they have been around for so long that they might still be old school. Sorry for bringing up an old topic, didn't know it annoyed people so much

Don't mind him.
Run 20w50 or Brad Penn.

20w50.


Quick! Somebody get into the minutiae of the composition and characteristics of the different available oils.

Oil threads are always good to see. It keeps an important detail fresh in our minds. You could be in a store that doesn't have your usual brands and think, I remember reading about what to look for in an oil for my precious 914 the other day.

Thanks everybody for your input. Probably going to pick up some valvoline vr1 20w50 today

That's what I use.

"Old school" VW and Porsche guys used 30 weight. I AM "old school", and my long term memory is just fine.

The Cap'n

Brad Penn

Valvoline VR1 20w-50 high zinc content oil.

Yeah, I've seen most of his movies.

Topics are beat to death only if you have been around here for several years. The reason they are beat to death is because we have a constant influx of like minded people joining our ranks. I didn't know shit from apple butter when I joined here but I do now. Shit from apple butter that is. I'm still learning these little cars that we all love. Newbies and curmudgeons alike. The Cap'ns advice is solid. Ignore the BS that was coming from the galleries. Did you get that engine bay rubber installed yet?

No not yet, that is the next thing i'm going to deal with. I want to either weld or sheet metal screw a plate over the hole someone cut out for the AC first. That is where most of the hot air is coming from I believe. Otherwise I have to cut one of the seals to stop where that hole is, which doesn't make much sense. I think welding it would be better, but i'd probably have to ask Cesar for his help.

...No NO! ....the brother of William Penn LOL

...Maybe..Maybe not, there is a wealth of knowlege in the Searches mode.Should
try it!!.Lot of old topics on this & other valuable tips
(be cool man!)

When I first bought my 914 I was using HD30 like in my beetles, I have an old school vw mechanic that told me to use it in them. The advice here led me to 20w50 for the teener.

i just started running this in my car, it has the correct zinc , ZPPD . there are a few studies out there comparing other important propertiesof this type of oil, for our engines and VR1 was the top rated above brad penn and joe gibbs.

i have a high milage engine so i have more wear than most and i do need to have a thicker oil i think. - we will see how it goes.

pw