what engine oil to put in because i dont know if its syntec

[miami325e]

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since i got the car from a stealer how would i know when its time for an oil change if it is running on synthetic or normall.is there a way you can tell the difference between synthetic oil and normal.and if i put in synthetic and it had normal will it blow the seals.

[oilman]

Without having it chemically analysed, you'll never know. Speak to your Dealer, hopefully it was 5w-40 fully synthetic.

Cheers
Simon

[oze30]

can you mix synthetic and normal oil? And is 5w-40 normal?? Need to top my oil up, but not sure which one to use??

[oilman]

You can, 5w-40 is normally either a fully synthetic or has synthetic content in some of the cheaper ones.

Cheers
Simon

[chu346]

I'm currently using 5w40 and get a rattle on start up.

It's a fully rebuilt and not long run in. Should I be using 10w40?

[oilman]

What oil are you using?

Cheers
Guy

[chu346]

Valvoline 5w40 synthetic.

[Paul325i]

10W40 semi is the best all rounder for the M20, most of them had mineral in from new.

If you're getting a rattly startup i'd check your valve clearances.

[oilman]

Stick with 5w-40 for better cold start protection as 90% of wear occurs on start up.

As the other poster suggested, valve clearances may need adjusting.

cheers
Simon

[chu346]

Stick with 5w-40 for better cold start protection as 90% of wear occurs on start up.

That's what I was thinking.

I'll check the valve clearances when I get time.

Cheers guys!