The question on what engine oil to use for the 2.25 Diesel has been asked quite often. However for the many threads there are yet more opinions still.

One thing I have seen said is that only oils sold for diesel engines should be used due to the anti-sludging agents. Also, mineral oil only was the general opinion I could find when I sarched.

However, the Land Rover green book recommends for some manufacturers the same oil for both the diesel and petrol engines. As my edition was published in the 1980s, I would think that most of these oils will have been discontinued. Also, oil chemistry will have improved since then.

This manusal seems to recommend 10w-40, 15w-40, 20w-40 (in one case) and 20w-50. It also recommends different grades depending on which manufacturer's column you are looking at. For exmple a Duckhams Hypergrade 15w-50 and Esso superlube 10w-40 and 20w-50. When this is the published information from Land Rover, this doesn't much help the confusion over what to use.

My local car spares shop stocks mostly Granville oils. Hypalube 15w-40 is sold as "suitable for older petrol and diesel engines whether turbo-charged or naturally aspirated". Their turbo diesel 15w-40 is also sold as being suitable for both turbo charged and non-turbo engines.

obviously this is a mixture of fact, manufacturer's advertising and personal opinion. it seems that all you can do here is make your own judgement.

Thanks for any opinions.

I use Millers Classic 20w /50. Not cheap but a good quality oil with additives.

I went through the same deliberations a when I bought mine 3 years ago but felt given the age of the engine and bearing clearances, the 20w/50 would be best.

^^^ Plus one on Millers 20/50 Or even Halfords 20/50 I think 10/40 is a bit lightweight for these older designed engines.

I did see a post advising against the millers classic as it apparently doesn't have any anti-sludging agents.

I use Smith and Allan 15w/40 - I buy it in 20ltr drums (about £55 inc delivery) so lasts for a few complete changes - seems good stuff to me

Webley1991 said:

I did see a post advising against the millers classic as it apparently doesn't have any anti-sludging agents.

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I couldn't find a 20w/ 50 oil that does now. Anyone aware of one? I emailed Opie Oils who recommended the Millers. I only do a few hundred miles between changes so probably not to much an issue for me.

thanks for the replies. I will probably go with the Granville 15w-40 as I need something in there sooner rather than later, as it will likely be standing for a while yet. I can pick the granville stuff up in a shop locally.

15w-40 is fine. That's what I use as it's tractor oil that I buy in 45 gallon drums. Just make sure it's Diesel specific as this has a higher concentration of detergent additives.

Being honest, any old Diesel engine oil will be fine in the old girls - just don't use modern ****y thin stuff.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

This is what I used in the end as the local shop I use had it there in the shop. It is sold as being suitable for older petrol and diesel engines.

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I also have a filter attachment from a 2.5 N/A engine fitted. This takes modern cartridge type filters so oil changes will be an easy job.