Need help choosing my next oil

[JohnSaints]

1. It's for a 1997 Renault Laguna 1.8 RT, 95hp, Gasoline, 5,6 quarts sump. The car has 105.000 miles, and I bought it with 94.000.
2. My manual says the oil must meet API SH or Acea A3
3. Temperature in my area varies from 14 (-10 ºC) to 110 (43 ºC) degrees.
4. I drive easy. Most of my mileage is made on long trips at steady rpm but I have the occasional very short city drive 2 or 3 times a week.
5. The car burns oil. It is currently burning around 3 quarts per 6000 miles, but the change previous to this one was 1 quart worse. I'm expecting the oil burn to decrease to 2,5 quarts or so in this next change, otherwise I'll seriously consider going up to a 15w40. I'm hoping that my regular OCI's with good quality oil will help the car recover of 4 years of little use (less than 10.000 miles) and decrease oil burn.
6. I change my oil every 6.000 miles (manual recommends 9.000)
7. I live in Portugal and it is very difficult to obtain fully synthetic 10w40 oil or 10w40 high mileage oil here.

Here are the options for my next OCI. Every one of these is a 10w40 synthetic blend. Some have data sheets with more data than others. I'd be very grateful if you could help me choose what you'd recommend me to try in the next OCI. If possible scale more than one in case of a lack of stock.

-------------------------------
Choice 1: SHELL HELIX HX7 (this was the oil used in my first oil change - burned 4 quarts in 6k miles).

API SM/CF
ACEA A3 / B4
JASO ‘SG+’
Mercedes Benz 229.1
VW502 00/505 00
Fiat9.55535 G2
Renault RN 0700

Kinematic viscosity (IP 71)
@ 40°C cSt - 92.1
@ 100°C cSt - 14.4
Density @ 15°C (IP 365) kg/l 0.88
Flash Point (IP 34) °C 220
Pour Point (IP 15) °C -39
-------------------------------

Choice 2: BP VISCO 5000 (this is the oil used in my second oil change - burned 3 quarts in 6k miles).

API SL/CF
ACEA A3/B3
MB-Approval 229.1
VW 505 00

Density @ 15ºC ASTM D4052 kg/l 0,873

Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445 mm²/s)
@ 40°C cSt - 95.0
@ 100°C cSt - 14.2
Calcium ASTM D4951 (% of weight) 0.226
Phosphorus ASTM D4951 (% of weight) 0.093
Zinc ASTM D4951 (% of weight) 0.103
Flash point, v.f. ASTM D93 °C 189
Sulfatated Ash ASTM D874 (% of weight) 1,05
Total Alcalinity, TBN ASTM D2896 mg KOH/g 8,0
Pour point ASTM D97 °C -36
Viscosity Index - 154

-------------------------------
Choice 3: ELF COMPETITION ST

ACEA A3/B4
API SL/CF
RENAULT RN0700
VW 501.01 / VW 505.00
MERCEDES-BENZ: 229.1

Density @ 15º CASTM D1298 kg/m3 879

Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445 mm²/s)
@ 40°C cSt - 103.3
@ 100°C cSt - 14.81
Viscosity Index - 149
Pour Point ASTM D97 °C -33
Flash Point ASTM D92 °C 224

-------------------------------
Choice 4: TOTAL QUARTZ 7000

ACEA 2007: A3/B4
VW 501.01/505.00
API: SL/CF
MB 229.1

Volumetric mass at 15°C (kg/m3) 873.6

Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445 mm²/s)
@ 40°C cSt - 96.8
@ 100°C cSt - 14.81
Viscosity index - 160
Flash point Cleveland °C 232
Pour point °C -24°C

-------------------------------
Choice 5: CASTROL MAGNATEC 10W40

ACEA A3/B3
API SL/CF
MB 229.1
VW 505 00

Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445 mm²/s)
@ 40°C cSt - 102
@ 100°C cSt - 14.5
cP @ -25ºC 7000
PourPoint - ºC -35
Viscosity Index - 149
TBN - 7.4

 

[chubbs1]

Take # 1 and 2 out (trust me). You are left with 3-5. Take #5 out. you have to forgive me I'm trying to analyze them and the ELF and Total look the best.

Flip a coin between 3 and 4.

The ELF competition is a little thicker (hopefully you will burn less) and it meets manufacturer specs. and is known to be a good product. This is probably your best bet. If you were not burning oil I would go with the less viscous Total which also has a slightly higher VI. You can't go wrong with either but #3 looks like it should fit well.


Good Luck!

 

[Donald]

I would try an Auto-Rx treatment. I assume they can ship it to your country. You are burning a lot of oil.

 

[Trav]

Before you change the oil go to a parts store and get some Pro-Tec for oil, the green can is the one you want. It will free any sticky rings in a few minutes, run it at idle for 20-30 min before the OC. If they don't have it in stock they can order it, its a Euro product.

http://www.autech-shop.info/product_info...s-motorrad.html

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Johnyjj1212

Choice 4: TOTAL QUARTZ 7000

ACEA 2007: A3/B4
VW 501.01/505.00
API: SL/CF
MB 229.1

Volumetric mass at 15°C (kg/m3) 873.6

Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445 mm²/s)
@ 40°C cSt - 96.8
@ 100°C cSt - 14.81
Viscosity index - 160
Flash point Cleveland °C 232
Pour point °C -24°C


I realize you're in Portugal, so pour point isn't a huge issue (and you didn't post HTHS if it's even readily available), but what's with the -24 pour point? I've run 15w-40 conventional with lower power points.

 

[JohnSaints]

Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: Johnyjj1212

Choice 4: TOTAL QUARTZ 7000

ACEA 2007: A3/B4
VW 501.01/505.00
API: SL/CF
MB 229.1

Volumetric mass at 15°C (kg/m3) 873.6

Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445 mm²/s)
@ 40°C cSt - 96.8
@ 100°C cSt - 14.81
Viscosity index - 160
Flash point Cleveland °C 232
Pour point °C -24°C


I realize you're in Portugal, so pour point isn't a huge issue (and you didn't post HTHS if it's even readily available), but what's with the -24 pour point? I've run 15w-40 conventional with lower power points.


It is very low, isn't it? I found it weird too.
Even though I live in Portugal pour point is also an issue, considering I sometimes find very low temps in the winter (check first post).

 

[JohnSaints]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Before you change the oil go to a parts store and get some Pro-Tec for oil, the green can is the one you want. It will free any sticky rings in a few minutes, run it at idle for 20-30 min before the OC. If they don't have it in stock they can order it, its a Euro product.

http://www.autech-shop.info/product_info...s-motorrad.html


Do you think an engine clean might help? I'm afraid to clean too much and make matters worse!
I reckon Liqui moly is also a very good brand, right? I think it's called lubro moly in the States.

 

[JohnSaints]

Originally Posted By: chubbs1
Take # 1 and 2 out (trust me). You are left with 3-5. Take #5 out. you have to forgive me I'm trying to analyze them and the ELF and Total look the best.

Flip a coin between 3 and 4.

The ELF competition is a little thicker (hopefully you will burn less) and it meets manufacturer specs. and is known to be a good product. This is probably your best bet. If you were not burning oil I would go with the less viscous Total which also has a slightly higher VI. You can't go wrong with either but #3 looks like it should fit well.


Good Luck!


Thanks you! I'm inclined to go with the ELF ;O)

 

[JohnSaints]

More insight would be extremely welcome!

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Johnyjj1212
It is very low, isn't it? I found it weird too. Even though I live in Portugal pour point is also an issue, considering I sometimes find very low temps in the winter (check first post).


-10 C is a warm winter's day up here.

That pour point just stuck out like a sore thumb to me. Perhaps it's a misprint on their PDS. The last time I saw a pour point in that range, it was like a 20w-50 conventional. Most oil companies seem to have some major goofs in some of their sheets, and I wouldn't be surprised if this was simply a mistake, too.

 

[JohnSaints]

Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: Johnyjj1212
It is very low, isn't it? I found it weird too. Even though I live in Portugal pour point is also an issue, considering I sometimes find very low temps in the winter (check first post).


-10 C is a warm winter's day up here.

That pour point just stuck out like a sore thumb to me. Perhaps it's a misprint on their PDS. The last time I saw a pour point in that range, it was like a 20w-50 conventional. Most oil companies seem to have some major goofs in some of their sheets, and I wouldn't be surprised if this was simply a mistake, too.


Hahah! Yes, I guess that comparing to the kind of temperatures you experience there, this is quite tropical!

An update: I really had to change my oil this weekend, so I stopped by the regular oil stores here and had to buy the Castrol Magnatec oil since it was the only one with a decent price (all others were extremely expensive).

Anyway, It seems thiS oil is an update to the previous MagnateC, so here are the specs. I'd like to know how you guys think this oil will do as compared to the previous one.

SPECS OF THE PREVIOUS OIL (BP VISCO 5000 10W40)
API SL/CF
ACEA A3/B4
MB-Approval 229.1
VW 505 00

Density @ 15ºC ASTM D4052 kg/l 0,873
Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445 mm²/s)
@ 40°C cSt - 95.0
@ 100°C cSt - 14.2
Calcium ASTM D4951 (% of weight) 0.226
Phosphorus ASTM D4951 (% of weight) 0.093
Zinc ASTM D4951 (% of weight) 0.103
Flash point, v.f. ASTM D93 °C 189
Sulfatated Ash ASTM D874 (% of weight) 1,05
Total Alcalinity, TBN ASTM D2896 mg KOH/g 8,0
Pour point ASTM D97 °C -36
Viscosity Index - 154

SPECS OF THE NEW OIL (CASTROL MAGNATEC 10W40)

ACEA A3/B4
API SL/CF
VW 501 01 / 505 00
MB-Approval 229.1
Meets Fiat 9.55535-D2


Density @ 15ºC ASTM D4052 kg/l 0,863

Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445 mm²/s)
@ 40°C cSt - 96.0
@ 100°C cSt - 14.3
Flash point, v.f. ASTM D93 °C 200
Sulfatated Ash ASTM D874 (% of weight) 0.96
Total Alcalinity, TBN ASTM D2896 mg KOH/g 8,0
Pour point ASTM D97 °C -33
Viscosity Index - 155
ViscosiTY, CCS -25ºC (10W) ASTM D5293 cP 6800

 

[JohnSaints]

bumping