Question for the oil experts.

[Johnsdutton]

I ordered Castrol Magnatec to do an oil change on my Signum 3.2.
Eurocarparts have sent, ahem, Ford spec instead of Vauxhall/ GM spec.The question is do I use it or return it, what are your thoughts?

[John LE]

Depends how fussy you are buddy tbh

IMO 5w-30 fully synth is 5w-30 fully synth no matter what they have written on the bottle. Not sure if there is a genuine difference or if it's just for manufacturers warrenty purposes tbh

I personally always use the "For Vauxhall" magnatec but I am fussy

Found this on another website, make up your own mind

If you took the Ford oil and the Vauxhall oil and looked at them - you wouldn't really see much difference and to many people, as they are both a 5W-30 - they would assume they are the same ( and many people do ! ) - but unfortunately they are not. It's all to do with the specification and HTHS values ( High temperature high shear ) - basically although they are both classed as a 5W-30, at 150ºc if you measured the viscosity of the two oil oils, the Ford one because it is designed to meet the ACEA specification A1/B1 A5/B5 ( and Ford WSS-M2C-913C ) is classed as fuel efficient with a low HTHS value and would be thinner viscosity than that of the same viscosity non fuel efficient specification ACEA A3/B4 with a higher HTHS value. If you consider that the main function of an oil is to keep fast moving metal surfaces apart - if the oil isn't thick enough, then you could get metal to metal contact and wear would quickly take place. By the way ACEA specs - A is petrol, B is diesel.

So, using a fuel efficient oil in an engine not designed for that type of oil could damage the engine - and that's why if you look in a Vauxhall handbook, it will likely say " Vauxhall does not recommend the use of fuel efficient oils " - because they know that they are thinner, and if used could cause engine damage. Also, Vauxhall run extended drain intervals whereas Ford do not, so the specification of the Vauxhall oils take into account this as well - hence the need for the Vauxhall spec - GM-LL-A/B-025 ( or DEXOS 2 now )

That's why there are so many different oils on the market - not because the oil companies want it that way, but because of all the different specifications the oils have to meet - and in many instances, by meeting one specification, you aren't able to meet another with the same oil ... so need another oil ...

[Johnsdutton]

Cheers John,
Thanks for quick reply. I will probably use it, unless someone tells me it
will blow my engine up. LOL. Just wait till we see the replies now.

[John LE]

As per my edited post bud

Tbh, they sent the wrong stuff. Send it back and tell them you want the stuff you ordered

Or depending on how much it cost, send it back and get it from halfords, it's 17.50 a bottle

[Johnsdutton]

Read edited post, thanks mate it is going back.

[Das]

IIRC the Ford spec Magntec is designed for better MPG, I doubt it will make much odds to your 3.2 john, lol.

[DHobbs]

Different oils have different detergent that are designed for your engine, bearings , seals etc. The viscosity of oil is just one part of it's specification. Send it back and get what you originally ordered.

[GT3071R]

used it last 15 years mate. you want a3 b4 magnatec in them. ive had it in my 3.2 for a year now with no probs atall. the one i go for normally has opel cars on the bottle

[Johnsdutton]

Thanks for replies guys. It is going back and replaced with correct spec. Well done Eurocarparts for prompt and efficient service.

[snapsnap]

Right move IMO!

I remember reading somewhere that the oil is specifically low sulpher for the DPF which is in your signum. If you had a non-DPF vehicle, I would say you should not be so concerned.