Which oil

[janie]

Hi,
Oil light came on today...in 5 years of ownership I've never had to put any in . Which oil do I need for 96 diesel?

[rita]

What level does it show on the dip stick.?

[Gasy]

I use 10/40 semi synthetic
Has your bongo been serviced in the past 5 years ?

[janie]

It gets serviced every year by a bongo specialist. I haven't had an opportunity to check the dipstick

[Bob]

It might be worth asking your garage which oil they put in, and possibly buy some off them.

Oils don't always take kindly to being mixed, and I wouldn't drive it until the level on th dip stick is correct.

[Northern Bongolow]

5w 30 is recommended but some use 10w 30 or 40, you can use mineral oil, semi synthetic or full synthetic.

whatever you use make sure its for turbo diesel that has a egr system, exhaust gas recirc fitted. the egr puts sooty crappy air back into the engine to reburn it to clean it up further, this soot is harmful to the engine unless you use the correct grade of oil. just ask your local motor care shop for turbo diesel with egr oil.

[janie]

Thanks everyone.

It's a bit tricky to get to my mechanic when I'm at work when he's open - and I use my bongo to get into work, so not driving it is an issue (public transport doesn't really exist round here).

I'll get some as suggested for the time being - it's due a service pretty soon anyway.

Thanks

Jane

[Bob]

Any of the oils suggested by Ady will be much better than driving it with low oil level or pressure. Its only a couple of minutes to top up, but go steady and make sure you don't overfill.

A rag over the altenator will help keep spills out of that.

Driving with the oil light on will result in a destroyed engine.

[janie]

It only came on for a minute - gone off again now - just thought I'd better check it out.

[Bob]

Possibly as you went round a corner or over a bump?

If so its likely the oil in the sump slopping about and dropping below the pick up pipe or level sensor for a second. definitely worth checking.