I have a 97 xj6 that i just purchased. I need to do an oil change and i was wondering what weight and brand is good for these cars at 125k miles. Also does anybody reccomend Marvel mystery oil or another additive. Thanks

 

I use 10/30 or 10/40, any name brand that is on sale. These engines don't require anything exotic. Just oil :-)

Cheers
DD

 

Welcome to the forum, Kawi. Make sure you make an introductory post over in New members if you haven't yet.

They like the diesel oils, 15w-40 or 5w-40 synthetic, as long as they are dual-spec, like Shell's Rotella or T6, or equivalent. Stop off in the X300 section and do a search. "Oil" being only 3 letters won't pull anything for you, but if you search *oil* you'll find lots of opinions.

 

I purchased the car Feb 5 and its been sitting since. im putting it on the road today. I have starts it up every few days. The couple i bought the car from has not done an oil change since jun of 2011 which is concerning to me. As far as changing the oil someone recommended Marvel mystery oil for 500 miles or until the ticking i hear goes away. and then he recommended another oil change without the additive.

 

Brutal recommends "Engine Restore" and has seen first-hand results. I haven't tried any additives yet. You'll get a lot of strong opinions both ways on that. When/if I get to that point....Brutal's opinion will be good enough for me.

Ticking? The exhaust manifolds are prone to crack on these...but normally make a "moan" when cold, I think....but exhaust leaks can also tick, especially when warm. X300/AJ16 not prone to "timing chain tensioner" failure as is popular on the X308's but I beleive the timing chains do make some noise. Maybe take a stethescope (or broomstick) and try to pinpoint the origin in a specific area of the engine? An oil change will never hurt, and changing it more or less right after you've just changed it won't hurt anything save perhaps your pocketbook.

 

I would use the oil recommended for the car until you have a reason to change the viscosity. As for the oil additive I would hold off on that. At the present time the car is new to you and you do not know why you have this ticking noise or where it is coming from. Restore is a great product and use it if you wish but what you are doing is masking the ticking problem without finding out what is causing it.

Oil Specifications http://jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepa...sb_09_2003.pdf

 

Oil additives can often cause more harm than good unless you are applying one to accomplish a specific job with the intent of getting it out of your engine after a short time (it either worked, or it didn't, but leaving it there can create other problems.)
That said, Marvel Mystery has been around and used by mechanics for decades. It is basically a diluter with heavy solvents to remove sludge and varnish buildup. I see it used most often for ticking hydraulic lifters. When added it will clear the varnish and allow them to function properly again. I never recommend it be added with the intent on leaving in for a complete oil change cycle. Often I tell folks to use it about 500 miles before their next change, and not try it again unless the issue persists. In other words, put it in, then get it out…. I never add MMO to gas… I feel its value there is only to the retailer….

My 2 cents
Vince