Correct Engine Oil for a 156 JTS 2.0ltr ?

[Age 156]

Hi guys
Went in for my first service the other week for recently purchased Alfa 156 JTS 2Ltr. and the Alfa Specialist has used Penrite HPR 10W-50 which is semi-synthetic oil.
I'm a little concerned as I presumed when he's said Penrite that he'd be using the SIN 10 or 5 which are premium fully synthetic.   He said there's nothing to fear, he uses HPR 10 on every alfa and even races with it. 
Should I be worried?  Does anyone else use this stuff or other semi-synthetics in their 156?
thanks
age

[dehne]

im sure it would be fine i use castrol egde 5-50 which is a recomended oil now

[saratoga]

Hi,  I would like to hear form anyone else out there concerned about the cost of Selina Racing which is the recommended oil for 156 models.  At $18 a litre I would be interested in a suitable alternative that wont cause any isuues.  Ihave been told by 2 separate Alfa service depts not to use a comparable Castrol oil because the sulpher content was too high,,,,I dont need another problem,,just a less expensive oil!
Cheers,,anyone?

[jayarr]

Hi,

I'd be concerned about the statement that Castrol has too high a sulphur content. That and the fact my dealership provided Castrol Edge 10W60 since my 156 JTS was new for several years when getting it serviced. They changed over to Selenia somewhere in 2008. However I have reverted to Castrol since due to personal preference.

I'll be asking questions next time at the dealership.

Cheers.

[wankski]

oil discussion is very complex...

if it were me i would use my own oil and change it myself. It is a simple job.

What you must know is that you should vary your oil type based on usage...

personally i'm very stop and start... this is where most wear occurs, at cold engine...

understand that the start up viscosity of 5w-50 is NOT the same as 5w-40... yes the numbers are not intuitive...

If it were me, i think dehne is on the right track... synthetic castrol edge 5w-50 is about the thickest i would try.

All oils are too thick on start up...  5w-50 would at least let you track it without worry...

for me, around town, i would try 5w-40 or even 0w-40 if it were available.


for anyone unsure, just stick to Alfa recommeded list.

Of the alfa engines, the absolute most important thing is to keep intervals (shorter is better) and even moreso, make sure oil does not drop too low. These engines eat a bit of oil during use.