Rotella T 5/40 syn hopefully going in this weekend after a seafoam treatment. 25 CAD for 4 litres, inexpensive as it gets up here and you can get it at any TSC or truckstop.
Personally I would run a higher detergent 40 weight oil such as Rotella synthetic 5W40 than a "high mileage" oil.
Rotella 5w40 here. IMO, I wouldn't run less than a 40w on the upper end if you do a lot of freeway driving.
I just changed my oil to Rotella T 5w40 Synthetic. It's great stuff. So far so good and the car runs smooth.
I ended up buying the rotella t 5w40 stuff in the blue jug for like 16 bucks a gallon, my vr runs better and seams to like the stuff.
Rotella T-Syn is a great oil but for our turbos...i wouldn't recommend it since if any oil gets burnt or makes it way through the rings...the higher amount of ZDDP (zinc) found in the Shell Rotella Synthetic oil will be harmful to your catalytic converter which may cause a failure.
I am using Rotella T 5W 40 in my 1.6NA diesel and in my TDI. I have noticed no bad effects. The oil consumption is nil and there are no leaks, etc.
In my area, I always been able to find Shell Rotella T 5w40 synthetic motor oil. It's a Group III oil and is capable of 10K mile oil changes in the AHU/1Z/ALH TDI engines and should do fine for your TD.
I have used Rotella full synthetic 5w40 from day 1. No complaints. I work for an oil distribution company, and get to ask people questions that have been in the business before I was born. Eveyone of them says the same thing. Shell has forgotten more then the others will ever know.
Josh, just get yourself a gallon of Rotella syn 5W40 oil from Wallysmart. It's a perfect solution for an old buggy like yours. I think it's around $14/gallon and is ideal for year round use. you may even pickup a couple of MPG.
Write your review about engine oil Shell
Help others - share your experience with this part.