What type engine oil for my 1.8l swap?

[nesboro]

I changed my oil with 5w30. My mechanic said it's good for the winter months. I understand viscosity when hot and cold but it still seems kind of thin to me. I have a 1.8 gasser in the caddy that was swapped at some point. I know it's a 1.8 because the engine code under the 3rd and 4th spark plug begins with jh. I don't know the exact year or model it's from. I'll drive it a few times a week to work this falll but won't drive much this winter. I also thought older engines require thicker oil. Thanks.

[justin_6649]

im in montreal and dont even run 5w30 in the winter, i like 20w50 in the summer and 10w30 in the winter (this if for my aba's)

regardless of oil grade, make sure your valves are adjusted if youre hearing a ticking sound.

[GTIdaho]

On regular 8vs I have always run 10/30 or 10/40 in winter and 20/50 in summer. Almost always used castrol GTX

[WackyWabbitRacer]

In the south, I used 20W50 oil the entire year as the winters are mild.

However in colder climates, 10W30 oil is recommended.

Cheers, WWR.

[rabbitnothopper]

i can only find 15w50...should be good enough

[allklrnoflr]

20w-50 is the best for vw

[nesboro]

Thank you all very much. I really appreciate everyone's recommendations. I drained out my 5 30 and replaced it with 10 40. I'll post later in the year regarding engine performance. Thanks again.

[GTIdaho]

20w-50 is the best for vw

Not if it is below freezing outside

[nairmac]

i can only find 15w50...should be good enough

Mobile 1 15w50? <---- this is what I run now. It's hot here.

I still run Castrol 20w50 in the Cabriolets.

[MusicCityGTI]

+1 more for Mobile 1 15-50.

It was used in my JH for years and years of HARD auto-x duty. When I pulled the engine last year, the internals still looked fine and believe me when I tell you that motor was put through hell.

[BoostedOne]

Remember that... the first number is viscosity hot... second is viscosity cold...or maybe I got that backwards...
But the important part is the higher the number the thicker the oil. Modern motors are built to real tight clearances which is why these 5w and 0w oils exist... the old 8vs are alot looser...
If the oil is too thin, the oil just flows out of the bearings and there is very little useful oil wedge. Imagine using wd40 for oil....
If the oil is too thick it won't flow into the space, and also creates extra drag

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[8v-of-fury]

I run all my Volkswagens on Shell Rotella 15w40 diesel oil.

Yes, especially my gas engines. The oil is rated for higher temperature and suspends **** in it to be caught by the filter.

[goosler]

I run all my Volkswagens on Shell Rotella 15w40 diesel oil.

Yes, especially my gas engines. The oil is rated for higher temperature and suspends **** in it to be caught by the filter.

same here. keeps the inside of my motors looking like chrome..........