I recently changed the oil on my 2001 VDP (Mobil 1 5w30 mineral and a liter/quart of Lucas) and the motor developed a tiny tapping noise which is gone after 2-3 minutes of warm up. I remember reading somewhere that a different/thicker oil grade might take care of the tapping noise. I live in NW Pennsylvania (cold long winters) and I'd like to find out what kind of oil should I use to get rid of the tapping noise at start up. I don't want to switch to synthetic oil due to worries about future gaskets leaks. Thanks

 

There are no miracles in a can, including thicker oil and 'Lucas'. Jaguar specifically recommends NOT using additives in the oil or gas.

If your engine truly has a mechanical problem that needs to be addressed, the fix won't be on a shelf at the auto parts store.

 

If you want a thicker oil, get a heavier grade, do not use an additive.
These cars can take a synthetic oil with no problems. It is by far the better oil.
5w/30 or 5w/40 would be a good start.

 

i guess you havent read the ssm/jtb on useing bg44 gas tank additive then. No more than 2 times per 15k miles

 

As far as Lucas goes, just say no.

As to the oil itself, you may want to try a 10W40 or a diesel formulated 15W40 such as Castrol or Shell. Both of these weights would still be fine in PA.

If you do not see an improvement you should definitely consider whether something is wrong that oil will not fix. Of course there is always the question of whether you have addressed the upper cam tensioner weaknesses.

It might take a change or two to get rid of the Lucas.

 

No I haven't, can you point me to a link please?

 

Rotella 5w/40 synthetic is a good oil.

Yep, it could also be the secondary tensioners. Get this seen to ASAP.

 

Use this link for your cars specs http://gusglikas.com/images/AutoRepa...sb_09_2003.pdf Then go to page 23 for XJ engine oil Specifications then go to page 33 for the viscosity information for the climate. You will also see the Caution about additives. Note that it says “Caution: The use of supplementary oil or fuel additives is not approved unless specified by Jaguar Cars in the form of a service communication or directive.”. As for me the viscosity of oil depends on consumption as well. I have been known to change my oil to 10w30w or 10w40w if consumption or smoke on startup is detected. If you wish to read about oil go to this link to Bob the Oil Guy I hope this helps!

 

The upper cam tensioners have been replaced, no mechanical defects, the tapping noise started right after oil change and Lucas and goes away when warm (2-3 minutes after start). So you are suggesting that I should go with 10w40? Thanks

 

First of all you need to tell us why you added the qt of Lucas. If you had no problems until you changed the oil did you create the tapping that is taking place? As for the oil, if you did not have a problem to start with then stay with what it calls for.

 

On our fleet cars we used to see some difference years ago when 5w oil was rare and the service people only had the 10w. Everything was 10/40 and it was too thick for the Ford overhead V6's at start up.

We always use the recommended oil -- even the 5/20 has proven to be fine.

The additive you put in may be making the oil too thick and limiting its ability to flow to the valves at startup.. I would change it out since you preciously had no problem

 

To make it clear, people responding to this thread are universally saying: "lose the Lucas".

The Lucas lubrication products, in general, are all thickeners. That is why the tapping goes away after warm up.

Of course, since you just did an oil change, you are reluctant to hear the message because it is going to cost money to replace the fresh oil.

But, there is no way around it. Lucas products, and in particular the power steering additive, are bad news in the cold. Winter is coming and you are in PA.

If you want a specific recommendation, the 5W40 Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic mentioned above is an excellent oil for your conditions. Another one is the 15W40 Shell Rotella T5 conventional.