I just noticed an add by XKZ Parts and Accessories on Ebay for a supercharger oil change kit. The information with the add indicated that it is recommended that the oil be changed at 60k miles. This is the same scenario that the transmission oil has "no service required for the life of the car".

The kit comes with a syringe and hose to siphon out the old oil, a container with new oil and an allen wrench to take out the oil plug. Has anybody had occasion to change the oil? Is this recommended? I would think that the oil in the supercharger would need changed at some point, just like the transmission oil. Any comments about this?

Bill N
03 XKR

 

Try searching for "supercharger oil change" in quotes, just like that. Lots of threads come up, with lots of opinions on the need and whether you can do it with the SC on the engine, including mine:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ge-pics-60260/
Vector
(just do it)

 

Most of the stuff can be found lying around the house with the exception of the SC oil. The SC oil can be purchased inexpensively in 4 fl/oz bottles at any GM dealership. You will need two bottles.

Someone who reads JF must have decided there was an opportunity in flogging this "kit" but it is not needed by most people as they have everything already.

 

Or if you don't want to risk being seen at a GM dealership you can order it from Summit Racing (P/N NAL-12345982) for $8.95.

 

$8.95? That's on the high side by a good bit, especially once you add shipping.

 

Really? When I looked a few months ago that was the going rate +/- $1. But I guess a $1 qualifies as a good bit when it's a 15% difference.

Cheap insurance whether it is $7 or $10.

 

Try $3.85

 

Hello, anybody have a picture of where the plug is for oil removal on a 2001 XKR or at least a better description of where it is. I cannot find it!
all the other descriptions or pictures seem to be for different model cars. Thanks

Happy Motoring...

 

It is on the left hand side about half way down the front of the SC. It is not the best picture but that dark spot is the plug.

When screwed in tight it sits flush with the front of the SC.

 

Imho, you can just use good synthetic engine oil just as well. KB recommends a 50w oil for its TS units, although I am actually using my engine M1 oil 0w-40. A higher weight oil is better when it comes to wear protection as they have usually a beter hths value.

 

Imho, engine oil is not suitable for use in the supercharger. That is the humble opinion of the manufacturer and the engineers who designed our supercharger too.

Its so easy and inexpensive to use the correct specified oil in this instance, why would you use anything else on such an expensive part of the engine???
Vector

 

I agree with Avos, I run an Eaton on 50W engine oil, but have the correct turbine oil so will eventually change it. If you can't get the correct stuff, motorbike oil will do in a pinch, my point is that Yamaha R1 engines run similar revs (the whole engine, not just S/C)
More important is the correct fill level.

 

Thanks CCFULTON for the picture, I have been able to locate the plug.
WOW, it does not seem to easy to get to.
I have 87K miles and love the idea of fresh SC oil but I'm not sure that I could actually get to the plug to get the oil changed. Some think that is good idea to leave alone anyway. I still like the idea of fresh oil though!

But I do thank you for taking the time and sending picture, very nice of you.

Kind regards and as always,
Happy Motoring...

 

No problem. I was tinkering with the car today anyhow so it was easy enough to take a picture.

It is kind of a pain to get at and a good way to get a backache leaning over the fender but it really only takes about an hour to do, even for us novices.

Just be sure the SC is stone cold when you do it.

 

I wouldn't have said it if it didn't also come from the manufacturer, pick whether you feel comfortable with, I have no stick in this.

And as Sean B has said, fill level is even more important.

 

I would be interested in doing a POLL about what people think about SuperCharger oil change.

A simple yes no would be good, but of course if anyone has additions that is fine.

some other good questions to add :
Have you changed your SC oil?
self or pro?
If you did change the oil, did you notice difference?
Changed SC oil before 80K or after 100K

I have no idea how to create a poll on the forum, so if someone in the know would accomplish this poll, at least I would appreciate it and I bet a lot of others would too.
Thanks to who ever can do this poll.

Happy Motoring...

 

Why a poll? Everybody gave his opinion already!

My car runs so much better since I changed it. It is about two seconds faster and fuel consumpion went from 23 mpg to 36 mpg.

Changing out the oil only took me about 10 minutes. Straight forward job. Do not forget to put a rag underneath the filling hole when you refill

 

With all due respect ... the Eaton that most owners are dealing with is not the same animal as a Twin Screw. And, turbine oil is not the same as synthetic engine oil. If it were, lots of people would be rushing to it as a cheap substitute in the aircraft industry.

The Eaton FAQ has an entry about using synthetic engine oil and the official position is "no".

At least for North American owners, the correct oil is not expensive and easily obtainable, so substitution with a non-approved substitute is not really advisable.

 

It is an option when a new thread is created. So, you start a new thread and setup the poll at that time.

 

That's it in a nutshell - the US guys don't know they're alive. I can't get Pentosin for the roof pump and as for supercharger oil - will cold pressed extra virgin olive oil be OK?
Seriously has anyone found a suitable oil in Europe?