I have done a search but found nothing on the weight I sould use with the miles I have and in the brands I want to run. So... I have a 94 Z A4 with 120xxx miles, it leaks about 3/4 of a quart between changes and I was want to run Royal Purple or Red Line. Which oil and what weight should I use. I run valvoline 10w30 non sythetic now.

Oh and please to God DON'T TURN THIS INTO A FLAME WAR


P.S. I can get both for like 2 bucks a quart so don't bother saying anything on price

 

1. read your manual
2. if no manual, look at the cap for the oil
3. if thats not even there anymore, i use 5w-30, like the manual says.

 

Since you are just running dino oil now, stick with it.... Since it leaks, might try high mileage.....

You could try syn oil, but it might leak out more.....

As for weight... Everyone has their own opinions.... GM says 5w30....


I run Mobil One 5w30 winter and 15w50 summer, but I have no leaks with 138,XXX miles, 93Z.....

 

since this is an oil question and we dont want a flame war i am going to clearly state

THIS IS JUST MY OPINION

if you have a 120k miles and your leaking 3/4 of a quart between changes, then try a thicker oil, oem spec is 5w30, try 10w30, if that doesnt eliminate it then try 10w40 at the next change (then 15w50 or 20w50)

stay away from synthetics if you have a high mileage motor and you are already leaking, it may make the leaks worse

 

Don't run Royal or Red Line, it will probably cause a worst leak. I would go with a high mileage oil for sure. They have a seal conditioner that will soak in and expand the seals and may help stop your leak.

 

Why put expensive synth in just to have it leak out?

Rich

 

moving to a 10w30 will probably only solve the problem if the motor is leaking when its cold. Multi-grade oil changes viscosity with temp. therefore your 10w30 acts like 10 weight when cold/ 30 weight when hot. my point of the ramble is that a 5w30 and 10w30 theoretically should both perform like a 30 weight at operating temp. i would try the 10w40 in a high mileage as n2ceptor suggested then move up from there. i run the mobil 10w40 high mileage in my 86 truck and throw in a lucas oil treatment about twice a year and my leaks went away

 

Fix the leak and stay with what you are using.JMHO