RoelfleRoux
Quick oil debate for my 3.8V6
The 3.8V6 has been running for 90k on oil supplied by a workshop I have no faith in.

Simple question:

1)Should I run on Delo 400 multigrade 15W-40 for the next service interval (to clean up any sludge) and then change over to full synthetic Shell Helix?

The service is scheduled to start Monday morning. Hopefully I'll be able to make a very informed decision bwfore then.

Regards
Roelf
bold4E
Re: Quick oil debate for my 3.8V6
I suggest you stick to Delo400 multigrade 15W-40. Read the post about Hydraulic lifters not to far back under active posts.

Waldo Fourie
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Re: Quick oil debate for my 3.8V6
as fond as I am of delo400 I would suggest the helix.

I cleans as well as delo IMHO.

Do an oil change and change 5k later and then thereafter do 15k intervals.

Just my R0.02
Re: Quick oil debate for my 3.8V6
What is the manufacturer requirement / recommendation?

There are at least 5 Shell Helix synthetic oils!
Make sure you get the right one!
  • Shell Helix Ultra 10W30
  • Shell Helix Ultra 5W40
  • Shell Helix Ultra EX 5W40
  • Shell Helix Ultra EX 5W60
  • Shell Helix Diesel HX 7 AV 5W30 (for VW/Audi products)
Gerhard Fourie
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RoelfleRoux
Re: Quick oil debate for my 3.8V6
To the 4E-clan,

Bold4E, that post (and others) prompted this debate. I downloaded the PDF in your link to realise it is actually a DIESEL oil "also suitable for gasoline". That is what dented my absolute belief in DELO 400.

4ePikanini, I don't really consider my 3.8V6 as a "racing" motor, and even if it was, that is not the way I treat it. My main goal is maximum protection against wear and looking after those lifters. To date the lifters have performed quietly and happily. I'll try to figure out if there are any changes noticable after the service. I may even measure the decibels before and after the service :D. The plugs will aslo be changed for the first time on this engine, which is likely to affect performance (and possibly noise levels) and thus scew my opinion on the Delo performance. Because the lifters have behaved perfectly all the time, I'm assuming that any sludge buil-up is minimal and that doesn't require the short interval intervention you suggest. What I do consider is to go from a 15k interval to a 10k interval.

4ePajero, the manual and Heynes gives a spread of ambient temperatures and then associated oil grades to suit. Last time I looked I found it very difficult to figure out where the Lowveld fits into that model :?

I think I'm going to stick to the Delo 400 for the first oil change and then take it from there. Maybe some more opinions on this thread to cloud the picture some more.
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Re: Quick oil debate for my 3.8V6
the 3.8 mivec engine is a fantastic engine where it gives good compromise on torque, fuel economy and racing traits.

I have driven one in a SWB and in my books it falls under a racing engine.

delo 400 is a great oil and I don't think you'll be wrong in using it. I just feel the synthetic is better for a high performance engine based on my experience with it in my passat 1.8T and the feedback I received in the years of reading on the VW forums (when I still had VWs).
RoelfleRoux
Re: Quick oil debate for my 3.8V6
:D

I also like the MIVEC motor

Thanks for the replies.
JohnDG
Re: Quick oil debate for my 3.8V6
Hello Roelf

I have a 2004 3.8V6 SWB, 120k on the clock. Correct me if I am wrong but I thought that the MIVEC 3.8V6 engine had variable valve timing which was first installed on the Gen 4 in 2007? So the Gen 3 3.8V6 is not a MIVEC?

BTW I have just done a full major service including plugs and I used Delo400. So far no lifter noise at all and she runs beautifully. My fuel consumption seems to be a lot higher than yours though. I get 17.5l/100km if I drive carefully, but then I am running BFG 32" and I have heavy steel off road bumpers front and back with OME lift. Still seems a bit heavy?

Regards,

John.
RoelfleRoux
Re: Quick oil debate for my 3.8V6
John,

You could be right, but I pulled this in from Wikipedia under the MIVEC section.
The 6G75 is a 3828 cc version with 95 mm (3.74 in) bore and 90 mm (3.54 in) stroke.
2003–present Mitsubishi Pajero (aka Montero/Shogun)
The bigger tyres could make a big consumption difference. I run standard 265/65x17 Wrangler A/T SA's
JohnDG
Re: Quick oil debate for my 3.8V6
Hi Roelf

My understanding was they in 2007 Mitsu used the same 6g75 motor but different heads with variable valve timing increasing the power to 182Kw from 150kw. I have not had a chance to drive the new Gen 4 V6 SWB so don't know if it really worth upgrading for an extra 32kw. Would it be possible to convert our 3.8V6 to MIVEC 3.8V6 by changing the heads only? Surely the ECU and engine electronics would have to be changed. Just a thought!

I'm running 265/75/R16. My tires are only an inch bigger(about 3%) than yours, so my fuel consumption meter should read 3% more due to there size alone. Not sure how much the extra tyre weight would affect fuel consumption? Can you let me know what your consumption is at a steady 120km/h?

I have replaced spark plugs(Denso SK20PR-A8), oil filter, fuel filter,air filter, done fuel line cleaner and engine flush.My Cat box had a hole so I replaced it with universal box and I have had my paj chipped at SAC. Fuel consumption improved a little but still high.Not sure if my off road upgrades alone are responsible for my extra fuel use?

Cheers,

John.
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