Motor Oil Questions anyone?

[TechnoKid]

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
not really an engine oil question, but is it bad for your engine if I'm driving only 2 minutes to work each way every day? I can probably walk to work, but I just started this job and will be driving for the time being. The engine just gets to operating temperature before I pull into the parking lot at work.

yes its somewhat bad. your will get higher fuel dilution in your oil; this raises the flashpoint of the oil. Also, things like moisture, and extra carbon will not get burned off in the oil because the oil did not reach sustained operationg temp (which is about 15 minutes of freeway driving); coolant reaches op temp faster than oil does. Just take the car out at least once a week on the freeway.

 

[AmigaMan]

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
not really an engine oil question, but is it bad for your engine if I'm driving only 2 minutes to work each way every day? I can probably walk to work, but I just started this job and will be driving for the time being. The engine just gets to operating temperature before I pull into the parking lot at work.

yes its somewhat bad. your will get higher fuel dilution in your oil; this raises the flashpoint of the oil. Also, things like moisture, and extra carbon will not get burned off in the oil because the oil did not reach sustained operationg temp (which is about 15 minutes of freeway driving); coolant reaches op temp faster than oil does. Just take the car out at least once a week on the freeway.

ok, I do that. Unfortunately Walmart calls just about every week and my wife, my wallet and myself seem to respond everytime Walmart is a good 20 minutes away and I get up to about 75 MPH.

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: psteng19
My mom's 1994 Nissan Quest (120k miles) is "losing" oil somewhere, somehow.
I think this was caused by her continuing to drive the car when the engine overheated (caused by a faulty water pump).
The water pump and radiator has been fixed since then (2 years ago) and now have to add half a quart of oil every 2k miles.

Do you recommend running thicker oil?
(Northeast climate)

That's not bad for the mileage; in fact, I'd say it's within expected norms, and nothing to worry about. You can try high mileage oil though. In my experience, it somewhat reduces the slight oil consumption that I consider normal after an engine has somewhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles.

 

[thecritic]

Originally posted by: radioouman
I normally use Exxon or Mobil 10W-30 in my truck, but this time I decided to buy Meijer brand oil (says that it is manufactured by Citgo). When I took my Saturn into the dealerships, the brand of oil would change and when I asked they said they put in whatever they could get the best bulk deal on. So I figured that if they can use cheap oil, so can I. Back to the Citgo oil; it is very thick and quite dark compared to the Mobil or Exxon oil that I usually use. I'm only concerned about it being thick since it is winter and I live in Ohio. Should I go with a better oil next time?

Color isn't a good indicator of the oil's condition, unless its milky or shows condensation buildup. Also, if the Saturn dealer uses "cheap," oil, it doesn't mean that you should. You know better than to do that.

If a oil looks unreasonably thick, I'd change it out. After hearing the type of response that your Saturn dealer gave you, its likely that they used 10W-30. Next time, when you change your own oil, I'd go with a 5W-30 instead, but that would only affect the oil's flow upon startup, since they are both 30wts during normal operation once the vehicle is at its normal operating temperature. Remember, some 30wts are thicker than others. Mobil 1 5W-30 is a very thin 30wt for example, whereas German Castrol is a very thick 30wt, almost a 40wt.

Michael

 

[thecritic]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: radioouman
I normally use Exxon or Mobil 10W-30 in my truck, but this time I decided to buy Meijer brand oil (says that it is manufactured by Citgo). When I took my Saturn into the dealerships, the brand of oil would change and when I asked they said they put in whatever they could get the best bulk deal on. So I figured that if they can use cheap oil, so can I. Back to the Citgo oil; it is very thick and quite dark compared to the Mobil or Exxon oil that I usually use. I'm only concerned about it being thick since it is winter and I live in Ohio. Should I go with a better oil next time?

Use the new Mobil 7500 or 5000. Its a syn at a cheap price

Its not a synthetic, instead Mobil DC 5000 or 7500 is a Group III petroleum oil. These oils are offered at an excellent prices for being a Group III oil. However, their performance is uncertain since I've yet to see UOAs of it.

 

[Reckoner]

I'm having a little trouble shifting smoothly in my 04 WRX Sedan, Standard Trans. What type of oil would you recommend help smooth out the shifting?

 

[thecritic]

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: drnickriviera
Any thoughts on Shell Rotella T Synthetic for a Ram 2500 diesel?

Shell Rotella Syn 5w40 is a good group III based syn (at least I believe it's grp III), but, imo, Mobil 1 Delvac 1 or truck and SUV oil are a better choice. I believe that rotella syn is about $3.66/qt and T&Suv is anywhere from $3.38 to $5.04 per quart. Those prices are the prices I've seen at walmart over the years.

T&Suv and the delvac 1 are the same exact oil, just different packaging, and you can usually find the T&Suv oil for cheaper than the Delvac 1.

I assume the cummins diesel has a rahter large sump capacity, probably measured in gallons, so, you may be able to get away with longer intervals, but I'd do an analysis to be sure if you are going over 10k miles oil change intervals. Bypass filter setup would allow you to go really long intervals.

I'd second that. Also, IMHO, its too expensive to run a Group III oil such as Rotella T Syn 5/40 at 7-10K drains on a Cummins. You?re better off running a Motor Guard setup and full oil/filter changes every 20,000 miles, TP changes every 2K, and an oil analysis every 10K. Through that ?program,? it?d cost you the same amount to operate that truck over a 60K period, than it?d cost you to operate a truck on Delo 400 15/40 every 5K.

Michael

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: AmigaMan
not really an engine oil question, but is it bad for your engine if I'm driving only 2 minutes to work each way every day? I can probably walk to work, but I just started this job and will be driving for the time being. The engine just gets to operating temperature before I pull into the parking lot at work.

It's probably the worst thing you can possibly do to your engine and it's oil without overtly abusing or neglecting it... heh.

Change your oil at the severe service interval and you should be fine.

 

[thecritic]

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
I'm having a little trouble shifting smoothly in my 04 WRX Sedan, Standard Trans. What type of oil would you recommend help smooth out the shifting?

Manual calls for 75W-90, GL-5 approved lubricant in temperatures about 0C.

Possible Lubricants:
Redline 75W-90 NS
Amsoil SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Amsoil Series 2000 75W-90 Severe Gear Lube

Both Amsoil products are also compatible in applications requiring a 80W-90. Only Redline 75W-90 NS can be used in your WRX, not the MT-90 because the WRX requires a GL-5 Compatible lubricant. The MT-90 is only compatible in GL-4 applications.

Michael

 

[thecritic]

Originally posted by: wanmichael

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
I'm having a little trouble shifting smoothly in my 04 WRX Sedan, Standard Trans. What type of oil would you recommend help smooth out the shifting?

Manual calls for 75W-90, GL-5 approved lubricant in temperatures about 0C.

Possible Lubricants:
Redline 75W-90 NS
Amsoil SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Amsoil Series 2000 75W-90 Severe Gear Lube

Both Amsoil products are also compatible in applications requiring a 80W-90. Only Redline 75W-90 NS can be used in your WRX, not the MT-90 because the WRX requires a GL-5 Compatible lubricant. The MT-90 is only compatible in GL-4 applications.

Michael

Also, all three of those products are in the $7-$10/quart range. The Redline might be easier to get than the others, depending on where you live. The Series 2000 is about $10/quart, but it may be worth it since it can be used for 50,000 miles or more.

Michael

 

[cucumber]

Hi. I have a 94 Infinity Q45 (153,000 miles) and I am wondering which is the best oil to use in it. Also is there any truth to oils made for high milage cars or is that just marketing?

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: cucumber
Hi. I have a 94 Infinity Q45 (153,000 miles) and I am wondering which is the best oil to use in it. Also is there any truth to oils made for high milage cars or is that just marketing?

Ahem..

Where do you live? What is the climate like?
What kind of driving does the car see(city, highway, 50/50?)
Does it have any leaks/use any oil?

 

[cucumber]

Hell, I guess it's obvious I know little about cars and maintaning them. Anyways, I live in Burbank California (mostly warm with occasional cool days) and the cars sees about 50/50 highway/street driving. I have not noticed any oil leaks or burning.

 

[CycloWizard]

Originally posted by: Thegonagle

Originally posted by: psteng19
My mom's 1994 Nissan Quest (120k miles) is "losing" oil somewhere, somehow.
I think this was caused by her continuing to drive the car when the engine overheated (caused by a faulty water pump).
The water pump and radiator has been fixed since then (2 years ago) and now have to add half a quart of oil every 2k miles.

Do you recommend running thicker oil?
(Northeast climate)

That's not bad for the mileage; in fact, I'd say it's within expected norms, and nothing to worry about. You can try high mileage oil though. In my experience, it somewhat reduces the slight oil consumption that I consider normal after an engine has somewhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles.

:thumbsup: If she drove it while overheated, she could have done some serious damage to the cylinder head and you'd be burning about as much oil as gas. High mileage is essentially a heavier (lower volatility) version of the normal equivalent, so it should slow burning significantly. If the car starts vibrating noticeably at lower engine speeds, then the head could be warped - this sometimes starts a while after the overheating actually occurs, so be sure to keep checking the oil fairly regularly (speaking from experience ).

 

[thecritic]

Originally posted by: cucumber
Hell, I guess it's obvious I know little about cars and maintaning them. Anyways, I live in Burbank California (mostly warm with occasional cool days) and the cars sees about 50/50 highway/street driving. I have not noticed any oil leaks or burning.

I'd stick with Chevron 10W/30 @4K drains. If you'd like, you can do two Auto-RX treatments and use M1 0/40 instead, but since I'm cheap, and if it were my car, I'd just stick with Chevron 10W/30, perhaps use LC/FP in the interval as well.

Michael

 

[flamingelephant]

we recently bought a used 99 intrepid with about 100k km on it (~70K in miles)....
Since buying it I have read some "rumors" about the engine having oil circulation or heating problems
and cause the oil to sludge. Are these rumors true, and what kind of oil should I run in it?
Live in Canada (cold, -40 in winter, 95+ iin summer. Have ran it for about 4000 miles, oil level constant, had
oil pan gasket replaced by place we bought it. no problems since

 

[TechnoKid]

Originally posted by: flamingelephant
we recently bought a used 99 intrepid with about 100k km on it (~70K in miles)....
Since buying it I have read some "rumors" about the engine having oil circulation or heating problems
and cause the oil to sludge. Are these rumors true, and what kind of oil should I run in it?
Live in Canada (cold, -40 in winter, 95+ iin summer. Have ran it for about 4000 miles, oil level constant, had
oil pan gasket replaced by place we bought it. no problems since

Esso XD-3 0w30 or 0w40 would be an ideal choice for you in my opinion. You can get it at any esso bulk dealer, who should be able to get you small quantities. Esso distributors You could run this stuff year 'round.

 

[bamx2]

Both work great for fuel in my diesel truck when mixked with >50% diesel fuel in warm weather

 

[flamingelephant]

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: flamingelephant
we recently bought a used 99 intrepid with about 100k km on it (~70K in miles)....
Since buying it I have read some "rumors" about the engine having oil circulation or heating problems
and cause the oil to sludge. Are these rumors true, and what kind of oil should I run in it?
Live in Canada (cold, -40 in winter, 95+ iin summer. Have ran it for about 4000 miles, oil level constant, had
oil pan gasket replaced by place we bought it. no problems since

Esso XD-3 0w30 or 0w40 would be an ideal choice for you in my opinion. You can get it at any esso bulk dealer, who should be able to get you small quantities. Esso distributors You could run this stuff year 'round.

0w30? would 5w30 not be good enough? Is that ESSO oil good stuff? is it a synthetic?
are there any downsides to running something that thin?

 

[Gillbot]

M1 10W30 with a quart of M1 15W50 for my garage queen.

Walmart 15W40 Syn Blend for the beater truck and whatever I can find for the beater car since it burns more oil than gas.

 

[TechnoKid]

Originally posted by: flamingelephant

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: flamingelephant
we recently bought a used 99 intrepid with about 100k km on it (~70K in miles)....
Since buying it I have read some "rumors" about the engine having oil circulation or heating problems
and cause the oil to sludge. Are these rumors true, and what kind of oil should I run in it?
Live in Canada (cold, -40 in winter, 95+ iin summer. Have ran it for about 4000 miles, oil level constant, had
oil pan gasket replaced by place we bought it. no problems since

Esso XD-3 0w30 or 0w40 would be an ideal choice for you in my opinion. You can get it at any esso bulk dealer, who should be able to get you small quantities. Esso distributors You could run this stuff year 'round.

0w30? would 5w30 not be good enough? Is that ESSO oil good stuff? is it a synthetic?
are there any downsides to running something that thin?

0w30 and 5w30 are [supposed to be] the same cSt [thickness] at operating temp. 0w30 is not a "thin" oil, the 0w simply states its cold flow rating.

Esso XD-3 is a 100% PAO synthetic as far as I know. It comes in various grades. Esso XD-3 PDF It has a TBN of 12.2 which is pretty darn good compared to an average TBN of 5.5-6 for Mobil 1. Esso XD-3 is an HDEO, but can be suitible for many applications, not just heavy duty apps.

 

[thecritic]

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: flamingelephant

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: flamingelephant
we recently bought a used 99 intrepid with about 100k km on it (~70K in miles)....
Since buying it I have read some "rumors" about the engine having oil circulation or heating problems
and cause the oil to sludge. Are these rumors true, and what kind of oil should I run in it?
Live in Canada (cold, -40 in winter, 95+ iin summer. Have ran it for about 4000 miles, oil level constant, had
oil pan gasket replaced by place we bought it. no problems since

Esso XD-3 0w30 or 0w40 would be an ideal choice for you in my opinion. You can get it at any esso bulk dealer, who should be able to get you small quantities. Esso distributors You could run this stuff year 'round.

0w30? would 5w30 not be good enough? Is that ESSO oil good stuff? is it a synthetic?
are there any downsides to running something that thin?

0w30 and 5w30 are [supposed to be] the same cSt [thickness] at operating temp. 0w30 is not a "thin" oil, the 0w simply states its cold flow rating.

Esso XD-3 is a 100% PAO synthetic as far as I know. It comes in various grades. Esso XD-3 PDF It has a TBN of 12.2 which is pretty darn good compared to an average TBN of 5.5-6 for Mobil 1. Esso XD-3 is an HDEO, but can be suitible for many applications, not just heavy duty apps.

Please, check the VOA samples here:
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=11&submit=Go

Mobil 1 does not have a starting TBN of 5.5-6 like Eli said. The most recent test of Mobil 1 0W-40 showed a starting TBN of 11.5.

 

[thecritic]

Originally posted by: flamingelephant
we recently bought a used 99 intrepid with about 100k km on it (~70K in miles)....
Since buying it I have read some "rumors" about the engine having oil circulation or heating problems
and cause the oil to sludge. Are these rumors true, and what kind of oil should I run in it?
Live in Canada (cold, -40 in winter, 95+ iin summer. Have ran it for about 4000 miles, oil level constant, had
oil pan gasket replaced by place we bought it. no problems since

That engine is a sludge monster from what I've heard. Definitely run two cycles of Auto-RX in it with a conventional:

http://www.auto-rx.com/

 

[TechnoKid]

Originally posted by: wanmichael


Please, check the VOA samples here:
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=11&submit=Go

Mobil 1 does not have a starting TBN of 5.5-6 like Eli said. The most recent test of Mobil 1 0W-40 showed a starting TBN of 11.5.

I wasn't aware of the updated TBN results for Mobil 1. I am sure the newer Mobil 1 EP has a higher TBN than Mobil 1. But there are no product data sheets on Mobil's site for the EP oils, and there are no figures for the TBN on the 0w40, 0w30, no data sheet for the 5w20...

Truck and SUV 5w40 which is essentially Delvac 1 has a published TBN of 12 on mobil's product data sheet.

VOA is the only way to go as far as figuring out an oil. Published results can vary wildy from VOA readings.

In anycase, Esso XD-3 is a pretty good oil for the money. I think wallyworld/walmart in canada carries Esso, though i dont think all of them do.

 

[thecritic]

Originally posted by: TechnoKid

Originally posted by: wanmichael


Please, check the VOA samples here:
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=11&submit=Go

Mobil 1 does not have a starting TBN of 5.5-6 like Eli said. The most recent test of Mobil 1 0W-40 showed a starting TBN of 11.5.

I wasn't aware of the updated TBN results for Mobil 1. I am sure the newer Mobil 1 EP has a higher TBN than Mobil 1. But there are no product data sheets on Mobil's site for the EP oils, and there are no figures for the TBN on the 0w40, 0w30, no data sheet for the 5w20...

Truck and SUV 5w40 which is essentially Delvac 1 has a published TBN of 12 on mobil's product data sheet.

VOA is the only way to go as far as figuring out an oil. Published results can vary wildy from VOA readings.

In anycase, Esso XD-3 is a pretty good oil for the money. I think wallyworld/walmart in canada carries Esso, though i dont think all of them do.

No, the M1 EP does NOT have a higher TBN than Mobil 1. The standard Mobil 1 Supersyn 0W-40 had a TBN of 11.5. Someone on BITOG had it tested by Blackstone last week. Please check the forum for more VOA results.