ENGINE OIL QUESTION ?

[leighton]

Hi all ....

I have recently been talking to an oil supplier , and he recommends using 5/40 synthetic oil in the V8 .

I have always used 10/40 synthetic ...

Any opinions , what oil do you use ?

Thanks

[Tentenths]

Lotus recommendations - clicky

Having designed, developed & tested the V8 it's reasonable to assume that their knowledge is without parallel.

[joeyoesprit]

Lotus Dealer and Lotus had it on their web site that Mobil 1 15W-50 is recommended.

I posed the entire web page on this forum.

JoeyO

2001 v8

[leighton]

Lotus Dealer and Lotus had it on their web site that Mobil 1 15W-50 is recommended.

I posed the entire web page on this forum.

JoeyO

2001 v8

V8

Mobile One 5W/50 or 5W/30

Castrol EDGE Sport 10W/60

Elf Competition S 15W/50

This is the list from the LEW maintenance page .............. wide range of viscosity's !!!!

[joeyoesprit]

V8

Mobile One 5W/50 or 5W/30

Castrol EDGE Sport 10W/60

Elf Competition S 15W/50

This is the list from the LEW maintenance page .............. wide range of viscosity's !!!!

I think the LEW web sit is outdated... but I'mnot sure. This was on the Lotus web page (before the upgraded it) 4 months ago. And it says Lotus specifically recommends Mobil 1 Motorsport 15W/50, and Castrol Formula RS 10W/60.

Here is the link but when Lotus upgraded thier web page it was lost

http://www.grouplotus.com/car/car_af...=12&page_id=38

If the link doesn't work this is what it said:

Engine Oil

In order to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle, it

is most important that only the specified lubricants are used. It is

an entirely false economy to try to save money by using lower quality

oils, which may degade before the next change interval and provide

inadequate protection before the end of the term. High oil

consumption may also result.

The engine is factory filled with a top quality mineral oil to be

used during the running-in period until the After Sales Service. Once

running-in has been completed, it is considered that fully synthetic

engine oils represent the best value in terms of fuel economy and

wear protection. A multigrade oil is designated with a low

temperature viscosity grade (first number with `W' for winter)

followed by a high temperature viscosity grade. Oils with low cold

viscosity, offer benefits in terms of fuel economy, ease of cranking

and starting, and cold run protection. Oils with high hot viscosity

offer increased protection at high temperatures and high rpm.

For the `Mk.1' and `Mk.2' Elise:

Choose a multigrade oil with viscosity in the following range:

Cold viscosity; 0 - 20W

Hot viscosity; 50 - 60

For use in temperate climates, Lotus specifically recommends the

following fully synthetic

products:

- Mobil 1 Motorsport 15W/50

- Castrol Formula RS 10W/60

For use in extreme cold climates, choose an oil with a low

temperature viscosity of 0W.

For the Elise 111R/Exige `Mk.2'/USA Elise:

These models have been tested in all climatic conditions likely to be

encountered with Texaco Havoline Synthetic 5W/40 oil which offers

advantages in ease of cranking, smooth cold running and fuel economy

at low temperatures, in combination with good wear protection at

elevated temperatures and at high engine speeds. However, if a car is

to be driven on track at maximum effort, or in conditions or a manner

likely to result in very high oil temperatures being achieved, the

engine oil should be changed for Castrol Formula RS 10W/60.

Lotus 900 series 4 cylinder engines and V8:

Choose a multigrade oil with viscosity in the following range:

Cold viscosity; 0 - 15W

Hot viscosity; 40 - 60

Lotus specifically recommends Mobil 1 Motorsport 15W/50, and Castrol

Formula RS 10W/60.

In all cases, the oil quality grades which should be met are either

European standard ACEA A3, American standard API SL/CF, SJ/CF, or

international standard ILSAC GF-3. Check that this is printed on the

oil container. For further information, refer to your Owner's

Handbook.

I have also asked the Lotus about antifreeze for the Esprit V8s.

Since Castrol Antifreeze or ShellSafe Plus is impossible to find now.

Here is what they said:

"Basically, there is nothing too unique about the construction of the

Esprit powertrain. The cars were build using the coolants you quote,

but so long as the system is completely flushed out, you could use a

modern longlife coolant with OAT corrosion inhibitors, but you need

to avoid any mixing of

types.

Stick with a DOT 4 brake fluid, and with Castrol TAF-X 75W/90 for the

transmission.

Castrol has confusingly rebranded some of its engine oils, with

Castrol Edge 10W/60 being available in Europe in both semi and fully

synthetic variants. Use only fully synthetic.

Dave Massey - Technical Service

Senior Technical Author

Lotus Cars Ltd., Hethel, Norwich, Norfolk. NR14 8EZ."

Joeyo

2001 V8