Shell Oil for a 200tdi
 

Great, back into a country with a fuller range of oils and brands, so looking to stock up for the next few oil changes.

I've always used Shell, or Total when forced to in Africa. I've usually thrown in what looks best engine oil wise, but would like to match the specs of my engine to the oil I'm throwing in just to be sure I'm doing the best I can by the old girl... ;)

Assuming Shell Spirax EP90 is fine for my 2008 Transfer box, TD5 front axle and 300 TDI rear axle?

Question, what Shell oil should I be using in my 200 TDI Defender Engine?

Shell says:
"Premium Helix HX7 10W-40 (g) 6.8
Standard Helix HX5 15W-40"
Shell LubeMatch - Products & Services

But HX7 is Synthetic which isn't good for an old 200TDi engine I believe?

So Helix HX5 is?
Shell Helix Diesel HX5 - Products & Services

Rimula for trucks and HD engines wouldn't be better??
The Shell Rimula range of heavy-duty diesel engine oils | Products & Services

Too much choice now! ;)

I would go with the standard HX5. You want a good quality 15/40w in there.

EP90 in the axles and T-box, ATF in the main gearbox assuming its the LT77 rather than the R380.

G

Thanks mate, I know that. But I want to know what specification a 200 TDi should match, and be able to understand what I'm putting in....

For example, Shell Helix Diesel HX5 says:

"Because lubricants vary in quality, universal criteria are used to describe oil performance and usage. Shell Helix motor oils not only meet these increasingly demanding international specifications but usually surpass them. Shell Helix Diesel HX5 exceeds these specifications: API CF; ACEA A2/B2.
Compared with a normal mineral oil (API SG/CD)"

I assume that is good for my 200, but would like to know if that assumption is correct.... ;)

The problem is that specifications get superseeded. The 200tdi was introducted a long time ago when specifications were less. You would have to buy oil from the early 90's to match the spec! You want a heavier based oil as this is what the TDI's were designed to run plus the fact its an old engine and probably burning a little bit.

A good example of the specs shifting is the R380 gearbox. Fitted to a 300tdi you are told to use ATF Dex III, fitted to a TD5 MTF94. MTF94 is far superior and superseeds the ATF. Anyone with an R380 should now be using the MTF regardless.

Im not all whizzed up on the exact specs of engine oil. A good read is in Tom Sheppards Expedition Guide as he explains what each of the categories etc. means.

Hope this helps.

G

"Premium Helix HX7 10W-40 (g) 6.8
Standard Helix HX5 15W-40"

First one for winter, less than 5 degrees celcius.Thinner than the other one.
Thinner oil is better for colder weathers..
Second one is for summers..

We do the same..nop, works like switch watches..
wish you all the best

Id recommend the shell Rimula 15w 40 for the engine oil. I have used it on all my vehicles for a number of years. Ive found it to be very good. I was recommended it by a ex-transport manager who used it on his trucks.
I found that you can buy it direct but you need to buy 75l from memory.

THanks,
H