Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 939 Series (159, Brera and Brera Spider) => Topic started by: MattK on June 30, 2020, 08:31:49 PM

Title: 1750 TBi - quick oil question
Post by: MattK on June 30, 2020, 08:31:49 PM
Hi all, I'm based in Hobart and I've had my 159 Ti TBi for a year now. Still very happy with it but it's running low on oil. For a range of reasons (work commitments, mostly) it's not feasible for me to get it serviced at the moment. However I am wary of grabbing a container of 5W30 synthetic off the shelf and dumping it into the engine - I killed my 156 by not paying attention to the finer points of oil in an older (130k) close-tolerance engine, cooked a big-end bearing 200km from home.
The car was previously serviced by Alfamen in Vic (I believe) so I suppose they would have used what everyone will say, Selenia Racing. Problem is I can't find that down here. I know that occasionally, mixing two oils can produce reactions between additives, which is not the best idea. Given that I can't do a proper oil change either, can anyone recommend an oil that is suited to the 1750 TBi and unlikely to cause any complications?
I promise to get it serviced ASAP but as you may have noticed, this year has been a bit of a challenge.
Title: Re: 1750 TBi - quick oil question
Post by: bazzbazz on July 01, 2020, 08:20:30 AM
Penrite 5w40 Enviro+

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/penrite-penrite-enviro-engine-oil-5w-40-5-litre/324403.html
Title: Re: 1750 TBi - quick oil question
Post by: MattK on July 01, 2020, 09:59:53 AM
Thank you bazzbazz, if only your mobile servicing extended this far south! No worries about additives clashing then?
Title: Re: 1750 TBi - quick oil question
Post by: Colin Edwards on July 02, 2020, 08:19:32 AM
Another option would be Shell Helix HX8 ECT 5W-40. 
It apparently meets FIAT 9.55535-N2 and FIAT 9.55535-M2
or
Motul 8100 XCESS 5W-40
It apparently meets FIAT 9.5535-G2, FIAT 9.55535-H2, FIAT 9.55535-N2, FIAT 9.55535-M2 and FIAT 9.55535-Z2. 
Used this most of the time in my 159 3.2 V6. 


Title: Re: 1750 TBi - quick oil question
Post by: kaleuclint on July 03, 2020, 12:13:20 AM
Quote from: bazzbazz on July 01, 2020, 08:20:30 AM
Penrite 5w40 Enviro+
This -- used by Alfa Men as routine in TBi engines, though some of us specify the not quite conformant Penrite Premium 10tenths that Alfa Men regarded as superior. 

How many km has yours done @MattK??  Can't say mine burns any oil.  Having said that, I'm trying to drive it harder!
Title: Re: 1750 TBi - quick oil question
Post by: MattK on July 06, 2020, 08:02:11 AM
It's done about 130k (2011 model). I've had it about 15 months, intended to run it in for a service by the time I'd had it a year, but a pressure time at work followed by COVID took that option off the table (ironically when I went to book I found that the mechanic had been working throughout the lockdown time). It began to run lower around a year. I hadn't noticed any signs of oil burning but it was very low when I went to top it up. Anyway it's booked in three weeks from now and my mechanic confirmed the Penrite was totally appropriate as cover until then. Cheers all.