Thread: 6VD1 engine oil

Originally Posted by No.3

I find it odd too - that doesn't seem to tally with anything I've been recommended in NZ. More modern engines tend to run 5w-30 full synthetic, but the petrol in yours would not be requiring that I would have thought. Of what you listed the 15w-40 multigrade semi synthetic would be probably what I would be looking at, as it splits the difference between the 20w50 in the manual and the 5w30 that everyone else is pointing to.

But - and it's a BUT - the SAE viscosity rating of the oil (eg 20w-50) is only part of the equation. There's an ACEA or API classification that also specifies what grade of oil you need for your model of the engine. It will be something like ACEA B3/B4 or C3/C4 or API SL or CF etc etc. You really need to get this right as it ties into the film thickness of the additive packs in the oil and how it responds to friction and heat of the engine when it's in operation. I can't tell you what this is as I don't have the engine info from yours here - but you've got quite a few different spec oils there and I'm not sure from what you're looking at what the right option will be.

Could be worth asking the local Isuzu or Holden place what the actual spec is they recommend for your engine or getting a quote from them for a service kit just so you have it.

All the American websites for the "Isuzu Rodeo" list 5 to 10w30 but sites I've checked for the Australian "Holden rodeo", which I have, is more or less 20w50.
I have to find the manual and check the acea/api classification, I know its "SJ" something.
I emailed NZ Holden, they don't know.