Polo 9N, 1.4 - Oil and Fuel experience

[WEDEL.1]

This is the story of our Volkswagen Polo, 1.4 litre, 4-speed Automatic.

We bought it in Dec 2007 as a daily runner for us and a grand children mover. The motor had, not long after purchase become rattly, although I didn't remember it being that noisy when we bought it.

It has been serviced by the Volksfactory (Holden Hill) from the time we owned it. It was much too hard to remove the oil filter for me to change the oil & filter myself. I NEVER change engine oil without changing the filter. As part of our routine, we supplied the engine oil for each service, generally each 7,500 kms until we are now doing regular trips from Adelaide to Pt Victoria on the Yorke Peninsula.

The oil we used was Nulon 5W-40, as I had used this in our Golf III, 1.8 litre without problems.




A couple of months ago I bought a bottle of Flash Lube Fuel Conditioner, not because I believe these thing work, but because I wanted the bottle (for 2 stroke oil, but that's another story). We had also returned to 98 RON fuel, having for about 6 tankfuls returned to 95 RON, until we watched the Current Affair program which said you go further on (& and it is cost effective).

Amazingly, the motor was completely quiet after driving off and reaching 2nd gear. It had much better acceleration, as much as a 55 killer Wasps can give, but it cruised beautifully, the best since we had it.

As we approached the 90,000 kms service I considered a change in engine oil brand, wondering if that would/could do some good also. I search Nulon & Penrite oils and found that the recommendations of engine oil was the same for each brand, and for each our cars, the Polo & the Golf V, 1.9 TDI (Nulon Euro 5W-30 & Pentrite Environ+).

Eventually I was swayed to Penrite because it has VW approval, while Nulon meets & exceeds VW standards.



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Two weeks ago the Polo was service and we left the next day for Pt Victoria. The motor of the Polo seemed a bit noisier but nothing really too bad. The next week I drove the Polo I couldn't believe how noisy (rattly) it was even when driving. All the progress I had made was now gone, back to square one. I was very reluctant to change the oil again as the Penrite (and Nulon) cost $90.

During last week I remembered that a few years ago I had bought some Nulon Engine Treatment and not used it. I searched the shed & found it.




Last Tuesday I removed some oil from the sump and added the Nulon in accordance with the instructions. Immediately the engine noise level returned to (close) the pre Penrite oil change. I can now leave the Penrite in the motor until the 105,000 kms oil change, when I will be back with Nulon oil, this time 5W-30 Euro, which will also go in the Golf V, 1.9 TDI..



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This has been my experience with our Polo.

[WEDEL.1]

I should mention that a byproduct of the Flashlube was how it stopped an engine rattle when travelling in top gear at approx 60kmh. It was obviously travelling too slow for top and when accelerating, there would be a "rattle" from the engine.

I now make sure I put in the required amount every time I refuel, and at the rate of 1ml to each litre, it is very cost effective. I bought the last 3 one litre bottles at Minlaton for $14.95, where as it is $25 in Adelaide.



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[Diesel_vert]

Since Australian delivered Polo models don't have an FSI engine (I think), I don't believe it's essential to use a 504/507 oil.

On the other hand, I think it would be beneficial for the Golf TDI to use a 504/507 oil, even outside the warranty period, and regardless if it has a DPF fitted or not.

But obviously, it would be nice to only have to use one oil for both vehicles. So assuming both vehicles are outside the warranty period (nearly there for the Golf) there should be no issues using Nulon Euro 5W-30 - assuming it really meets and exceeds VW's 504/507 spec as they claim.


But also keep in mind that Nulon and Penrite aren't your only choices when it comes to 504/507 oils.

[kaanage]

I should mention that a byproduct of the Flashlube was how it stopped an engine rattle when travelling in top gear at approx 60kmh. It was obviously travelling too slow for top and when accelerating, there would be a "rattle" from the engine.

Yikes! That sounds like your engine was knocking badly when loaded up - long term, that would puch holes in your pistons. I wonder if the cylinder head / piston crowns have large deposits of carbon due to gentle driving? It could be that the car could benefit from an "Italian tune-up" (being driven with 'spirit' through some hills for an hour or so)

Did the Flashlube only make the car less rattley in this situation and the Nulon made the engine quieter overall?

[WEDEL.1]

Did the Flashlube only make the car less rattley in this situation and the Nulon made the engine quieter overall?

With only 55KW, the Polo gets the boot in it quite often, and it has been fed 98RON most of its life, so I think it's OK.

Yes Greg, I believe the Flashlube has helped quieten the injector side of things, and the Nulon has definitely helped the oil side. The circle will be complete when Nulon oil returns.

Maris

[WEDEL.1]

Since Australian delivered Polo models don't have an FSI engine (I think), I don't believe it's essential to use a 504/507 oil.

I realize that, but as both Penrite & Nulon recommend their top oil for the Polo, and the oil changes are only one per year.......

On the other hand, I think it would be beneficial for the Golf TDI to use a 504/507 oil, even outside the warranty period, and regardless if it has a DPF fitted or not.

I agree 100%. The T4 Transporter I owned for 11 years was treated with Nulon Oil Treatment from 20,000kms and I used Shell Helix Ultra full synthetic 5W-30 engine oil. At 147,000kms when I sold it, the motor still sounded like new. I always use the best I can afford.

The Golf will get Nulon 5W-30 Euro 504/507.

But obviously, it would be nice to only have to use one oil for both vehicles. So assuming both vehicles are outside the warranty period (nearly there for the Golf) there should be no issues using Nulon Euro 5W-30 - assuming it really meets and exceeds VW's 504/507 spec as they claim.

Yes, but I can save $30 on the Polo, but as I said , it's only once a year. I don't think that any company now days would be game to make outlandish claims. It could cost them a lot of money in claim, law suits & reputation.

But also keep in mind that Nulon and Penrite aren't your only choices when it comes to 504/507 oils.

But these brands are sold at our Auto Pro, 7 mins walk from home. That makes it very handy.

Thanks for your input, I do appreciate it.

Maris