what oil in a vy v6?

[super.sam]

hey everyone, i know its a pretty stupid and ridiclous question but just wanted to make sure! the oil light came up and i stoped driving as quick as i could and bought some castrol GTX, 15W-40, is this all sweet to put in my car? thanks

[Sean880]

It's not a stupid question.

That oil is not recommended for the VY v6 (and Castrol does not recommend it for the vehicle either).

GMH specifies a 10W -30 oil for the motor and if you want to use Castrol then use the GTX Modern Engine 10W-30 (but note that this oil is also commonly sold in 15W-40 grade). (Castrol suggests that its Castrol Magnatec 10W -40 is also safe/desirable to use with the motor but GM has not recommended any 10-40 or 15 - 40 grade oil for this VY V6 engine).

There is also a SHELL HELIX product HX-7 AJ in 10W-30 grade readily available which is what I use.

I suggest you get a mechanic to hook up an idependent oil pressure guage to the system to check engine oil pressure at various rpm. If there is a low oil pressure problem in the lube system it needs to be investigated before the engine is destroyed from poor lubrication. This should be done after a full oil change as contaminated and diluted oil that has been in the system far too long will typically give less than optimum oil pressure readings especially, when hot. Oil in these engines need to be changed at least every 5000 kms or every 3-4 months at lesser kms when conventional mineral based oils are used (such as those products above).

[super.sam]

thanks heaps sean, thats grouse info mate, really appreciate it!

[D3CID3R]

i run magnatec 10w40

[edals]

Iv Been running penrite 15-60 extra 10 Semi Synthetic in both the VX & VY. Great Stuff suited for cars that run 15-40, 20-50 oils, After 9k the oil is still showing some gold. Not just BLACK.
No difference in fuel usage etc. Been using it since its 15-60, High Protection at both Low and extreme heat.

[aaronevolution]

Holden usually use magnatec 10w40, but I used to use edge sport 10w60

[super.sam]

lovely, thanks everyone, ended up just chucking some 10w40 in it, appreciate your help!

[Richard Moss]

Interesting - assuming that this is an Ecotec engine, like my Monaro CV6, that's a completely different specification from the one in my owners handbook which is 20w50.