Thread: 6VD1 engine oil

Originally Posted by Three O'Three

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.

API SJ is pre-2001 petrol engines if I remember right, API SL supersedes it and can be used in it's place. You can go forwards or more recent spec, just not backwards to older classifications.

If the engine is fairly good and not using oil, an API SL 15w40 semi synthetic multigrade should be fine - most of these are sold as diesel engine oils which is a harsher service for the oil. If the engine has been using oil, options are 20w50 in the same spec or run a flush product through it and try it on the 15w40 and see what happens. A lot of the time there's just a heap of crap in the oil rings and the like and a good flush gets it back to normal but the odd instance the engine is actually needing servicing and flushing it makes it use a lot more oil (wear in the valve guides or other parts and the flush process removes the stuff that is holding the oil in!!!).