Approved oil TSB's

[KuHl 951]

Hello. This is my first post here but I've owned several 944's over the past years and currently have 2-951's. I do all my own work including rebuilds. My question: Is there a definitive TSB stating the correct viscosity and brands of oil for the older cars such as the 944/951? Supposedly Mobil 1 0W-40 (Euro) is now the approved oil for all Porsches back as far as 84 and many people are looking at it like the Holy Grail of oils. 0W-40 would be like running mineral water in my hot climate from my experience and I feel the list is geared more towards newer P-cars since 1997. I have run 20W-50 Valvoline Racing VR-1 for years and love the stuff for viscosity stability at high temps. I used to run the Mobil 1 20W-20 until Exxon bought them and started reducing the ZDDP concentrations. Supposedly there are TSB's concerning the older cars that clarifies the current 2005 Porsche Approved Oil List.

I realize this is one of those controversial topics but I would just like some clear answers. The 951 is very picky about viscosity and loves to cough up the #2 rod bearing in protest of a bad choice.

Thanks and I'll have to check out this forum better.

Steve

[Loren]

The latest TSB (dated April 11, 2007) states:

"All Porsche standard production vehicles with the exception of the Porsche Cayenne (V6)."

[KuHl 951]

The latest TSB (dated April 11, 2007) states:

"All Porsche standard production vehicles with the exception of the Porsche Cayenne (V6)."

Thanks. Yes I've seen that list many times and that's why I'm posting. Would you run 0W-40 in the Summer here in our climate in a 21 YO car with 150K miles, especially an older 911? MI 0W-40 Euro is the only oil I can find with the Porsche approval on the container. I've never found a 40W yet that didn't drop my oil pressure to 3 bar at 4.5K and near 1 bar at idle after a hot run and my car has excellent leakdown numbers and oil pressure with 15W to 20W-50 M! or VR-1. It's odd also because a Porsche TSB recommends another list of heavier oils for cars where carbon fouling of the valves is an issue from regional gas formulations but those oils aren't on the 2007 list? Go figure. Maybe the 951 is just an oddball when it comes to oil requirements?

[Loren]

All oil use is a bit subjective - previously Porsche recommended 15W-50. But for whatever reason they took that off a couple of years ago.

If you race your car and you have had good luck with 20W-50 I see no reason to change. JMHO

[333pg333]

0W40 would be catastrophic for our cars unless you're in the arctic circle. 20w50 is perfect. We use 25w60 for the track.

[White987S]

Mobil One 5W50 is Porsche approved. I plan to use this oil at the next oil change. Not available in the USA. I'll buy it during a business trip to Canada, and ship it back home.

[ashleyisagirlsname]

I live in Canada and will soon be switching my Boxster S from 0w-40 to 5w-50. It sells for only $33/5Litres at Wal Mart of all places. From several people I know, they report less consumption and are very happy overall.

[El Acura]

Hello.

I've already switch to 5W50.

Take a look at this previous post.

5W50 link

[Perculator00]

Does anyone know where you can find Castrol 5w-50 Synthetic in the U.S.?

I was going to try Walmart first.

I live in Northern VA, so we get all the seasons here. A reliable Porsche mechanic told me to either use Mobile1 0w-40 OR Castrol 5w-50

I drive a 87' 944 Turbo

[Perculator00]

I found it at Advance Auto Parts

I like this oil. Seems like the motor is a lot quieter at start

[333pg333]

Even for cars as recent as the 996 Porsche recommend 20w/50 in their owner's manuals. Using M1 anything, let alone 0w/40 is a definite NO in older cars inc 951s.

[Loren]

Even for cars as recent as the 996 Porsche recommend 20w/50 in their owner's manuals. Using M1 anything, let alone 0w/40 is a definite NO in older cars inc 951s.

Sorry, but you are wrong. The 986 and 996 series cars Porsche originally recommended 15W-50. Then in about 2001 they changed to 0W-40.

[Perculator00]

Well, on another note I seem to love running the Castrol Syntec 5w-50 in my 87' 951

We get all the seasons around the nations capital....it seems to be a good all year round oil.