I live in Kuwait, and own a 2000 Mitsu Pajero/Montero (3.0L v6) with 246,000 km (153,750 miles) on the clock. Because of the climate conditions in the Middle East, Mitsubishi's recommended viscosity is 15W-40 for normal conditions and 20W-50 for severe operation. Since my Pajero was maintained by the dealer, 20W-50 was always used until I switched to Motorcraft Synthetic Blend 10W-30 at one point, which meets the ILSAC GF-4 specification, but I'm now back to 20W-50 again (BP Visco 2000 meeting API SJ/CF specs to be precise about what I'm using). I realise 5W-30 was the recommended viscosity for this engine in the States, but climate conditions in places like Australia and the Middle East call for thicker oil and are recommended by the manufacturer as such.
That said, I've cleaned the internals of my engine with Auto-Rx and the engine internals are pretty clean. Since they are clean, with low oil consumption, I'm considering a switch to full synthetic - mainly Castrol Edge or possibly the slightly cheaper BP Visco 5000. Then again, BP owns Castrol and I'd imagine the formula itself is very similar. As they are synthetic, I can extend my oil changes to at least 15,000 km (9,375 miles) over the standard 5,000 km (3,000 miles) and they obviously perform much better than conventional. Most oils meet API specifications here, unlike places like the UK and the rest of Europe, where oils must meet ACEA specs, which are much tougher and hence conventional oil is good for 10,000 miles. Then again, climate conditions in Europe vary quite a bit!
Now there are 2 choices with synthetic motor oils I am considering, both of which I believe are a Group IV: Castrol Edge 5W-40 and Castrol Edge Sport 10W-60. Although the engine is as clean as a whistle, it is still a high mileage motor and I'm naturally learning towards the thicker Castrol Edge 10W-60. I realise this is 10W over the manufacturer's suggested CST when hot, but again the mileage is high. That said, would 10W-60 be a decent choice, or would I be better off sticking with the 5W-40? The Edge 5W-40 meets API SL/CF and ACEA A3/B3/B4. It is also VW 502 00, VW 505 00, MB 229.3, BMW Longlife-98 approved. The Edge 10W-60, on the other hand, only meets API SL/CF and ACEA A3/B3/B4 specifications with no approvals from VW, MB of BMW. Any assistance will be muchly appreciated. Thank you.
That said, I've cleaned the internals of my engine with Auto-Rx and the engine internals are pretty clean. Since they are clean, with low oil consumption, I'm considering a switch to full synthetic - mainly Castrol Edge or possibly the slightly cheaper BP Visco 5000. Then again, BP owns Castrol and I'd imagine the formula itself is very similar. As they are synthetic, I can extend my oil changes to at least 15,000 km (9,375 miles) over the standard 5,000 km (3,000 miles) and they obviously perform much better than conventional. Most oils meet API specifications here, unlike places like the UK and the rest of Europe, where oils must meet ACEA specs, which are much tougher and hence conventional oil is good for 10,000 miles. Then again, climate conditions in Europe vary quite a bit!
Now there are 2 choices with synthetic motor oils I am considering, both of which I believe are a Group IV: Castrol Edge 5W-40 and Castrol Edge Sport 10W-60. Although the engine is as clean as a whistle, it is still a high mileage motor and I'm naturally learning towards the thicker Castrol Edge 10W-60. I realise this is 10W over the manufacturer's suggested CST when hot, but again the mileage is high. That said, would 10W-60 be a decent choice, or would I be better off sticking with the 5W-40? The Edge 5W-40 meets API SL/CF and ACEA A3/B3/B4. It is also VW 502 00, VW 505 00, MB 229.3, BMW Longlife-98 approved. The Edge 10W-60, on the other hand, only meets API SL/CF and ACEA A3/B3/B4 specifications with no approvals from VW, MB of BMW. Any assistance will be muchly appreciated. Thank you.