Shell Helix Super 15w40 in a VW Bug

[NVJ157G]

Hey there fella's, I have a question. I have just bought four litres of Shell Helix Super 15w40 mineral on e-Bay for evaluation in my stock 69 Bug. I'd read up on a lot of info here and figured this would be good to try having always run straight 30 in all weather's before, however on its arrival I noticed that the bottle lists this to be a 'Clean' oil ie. it cleans heavily as it works (I should of studied the ad more closely). It says 'Shell Helix Super (Clean) begins to clean the moment it is added to your engine and removes harmful deposits and clears oil gallery's as it works'
So my question is this, would I be right in thinking I have purchased a high detergent oil which would be unsuitable for my stock aircooled engine with its puny sump capacity and oil gauze screen with no filter? Am I just going to sludge up my oil cooler with this stuff?

 

[Johnny]

I would use it without hesitation in your 69 VW. What straight 30 have you been using?

Nice old VW.

 

[NVJ157G]

I have been using 'Golden Film Classic' SAE 30 low detegergent oil made by Morris Lubricants (an idependant UK firm) for years. In the UK I'd say about 85% of aircooled VW owners use this oil as its stocked by most Aircooled VW/German Car specialists here. We're pretty spoilt for choice in terms of 'classic' oils in general though.

http://www.morrislubricants.co.uk/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=114

She is a nice old VW, thanks

 

[Johnny]

I am familiar with Morris Lubricants as I use to run their 20W-50 in my old TR-3.

I guess we might have a different way of looking at things over here. When I owned my 69 Karman Ghia and 70 Beetle I used a high detergent straight 30 in both.

I don't believe you will have any sludge/gumming up things problems, but it could be possible you might notice some oil consumption problems.

Morris makes some excellent lubricants.

From reading your other post about transmission/transaxle gear oil for the 69 VW, I recommend you use this:

http://www.morrislubricants.co.uk/Downloads/Lodexol 80W90 TDS 130 Iss 5.pdf

 

[NVJ157G]

I don't mind, I value your advice. I am just worried that the Shell may dislodge many years of muck and gum up the engine, I mean it has been rebuilt at some point, so its not quite so ancient as the rest of the car but its not exactly crate fresh either which is my worry. The Morris gear oil there looks good.

 

[badnews]

I am reminded of the saying
" if it ain't broke , don't fix it"
Stay with what you have been using YMMV

 

[Johnny]

Do you have another car you could use the 15W-40 in? Might want to check with Morris or your favorite VW mechanic to double check.

 

[NVJ157G]

I have a Seat Ibiza petrol but that uses 5w30. No biggie it was a good deal, if I can't use it in the Bug its nice just to have it around, I've become a real oil nerd now lol.

 

[NVJ157G]

...Actually while we're here, Johnny do you know anything about Penrite oil? In Europe they market a Classic specific range and one in particular called HPR 30 which has a viscosity of 20w60 and they say is an ideal replacement for SAE 30, 20w40 and 20w50 oils. Interesting I thought.

 

[Johnny]

If you can figure out how to do it, you should post some pictures of your two cars.

 

[Johnny]

Not that familiar with that particular Penrite product. I would stay with the Morris products. I also don't buy in to the concept something that is a xxW-60 replacing a straight 30W oil.

What product are you using in you Seat?

 

[NVJ157G]

In the Seat? I have no idea, its only just out of warranty so I haven't changed the oil myself in it yet, I have a feeling its Castrol Edge 5w30 though.

Here is my Bug about a month ago but I don't have any pictures of my Ibiza to hand. (I can't tell if this has worked as my work server doesn't display images.)

 

[Johnny]

Wow! What a great looking Bug. One of my favorite colors. That is really a nice looking old VW.

Thanks for the picture.

 

[NVJ157G]

Why thank you buddy, its my pride and joy I've had it since I was 19 and until a few years ago she was my only car taking me to work and back every day in weathers. Now she lives in a rented garage and only comes out when theres NO chance of rain

lol.
I'll see if I can find a picture of the Seat when I get home

 

[robertcope]

Very pretty bug. I've got a 66 on a 69 pan, but it is in pieces. Grew up with a 70 that mom bought new. She drove it through college, and then dad drove it pretty much every day until it was rolled over in 97 or 98. Fantastic automobiles. Thank you for keeping yours around and in such great condition.

robert

 

[mechtech2]

I used to be a VW bug and dune buggy guy. I am quite familiar with them.
See if you can pick up a copy of John Muir's book, How to Keep a Volkswagon Alive for the Complete Idiot. Entertaining and quite useful!
Oils are different than when that car was made. GOOD multigrades that can be trusted are numerous and far superior now.

That oil claims cleaning, but that is true with any modern oil.
Unless you used non detergent for decades, it should be fine.
Remember, oil changes at 1,500-2,000 miles were common. No filter!

BTW, that car is scary clean!

 

[NVJ157G]

She's not that clean, the camera is kind

though believe it or not after (I think) about 270,000 odd miles the pan has only ever had one tiny 1"x3" repair. I attribute this to plenty of Waxoyl over the years. I think I shall give the Shell a go then