Zoraone

Just wanted to drop a note about my switch to German Castrol 0w30 engine oil. The Autozone by my work stocks the stuff and after reading about the following this oil has (the real GC not the American stuff), I bought a batch for my LS.

Obviously, this stuff isn't going to create a magical horsepower fairy, but it did however seem to quiet the 1UZFE valve tick that we are all so familiar with.

I bought the car with 54k miles on the clock and the original owner used nothing but dino oil. I ran M1 5W30 with good results up until the current 85k miles on the car.

The GC 0w30 has been in the car for about 1k miles and like I said, a noticeable decrease in valve tick.

I'll probably start using it or M1 0w40 in my GTO as well depending on who has what in stock.

Dustin

curiosul

The Castrol is apparently the only "pure" synthetic on the market (excepting "exotic" brands) and ONLY available at Autozone.
It's the only one I'm using in my cars BUT my only argument for it being the best option is what I have read on forums (they also had links to independent laboratories testing). In real life, I don't think I saw any difference between it and the M1 or any other synthetic.
BUT
I use it and the K&N oil filter and the price difference is like 15-20$ per oil change every few months which no matter how you take it, for any car, it's still cheap for the peace of mind that you get for using the best.

The only reserve I have is about the numbers (how close is 0W30 to what's recommended for the LS400).

I hope this helps!

P.S. the 0W30 is the only type Made in Germany and having the "European formula" badge.

Lexmex

If you have a Pep Boys nearby, that's another location for the German Castrol.

Amskeptic

I have been through the tick war and I won. If your valves have been correctly adjusted, and your tick is emanating from the upper left (intake #7), you have a lifter bucket that has a damaged valve contact pad due to neglect that fills that area with carbony varnish. Oil needs to splash up there and truly get between the valve stem and the lifter pad.



It may be that your lower viscosity oil is able to get up there in your engine and offer some desperately needed lubrication, but you will want to get it properly repaired by replacing any lifter buckets that have a valve stem dot worn into their steel inserts. You want to do this before the valve stem gets damaged.
Colin

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

did u ever take the picture of what u showed me last time Colin?

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

does anyone have the procedure to adjust the valves? where do you get the shims?

Amskeptic

I will put it up tomorrow in this thread and that other one brewing nearby.

Did my power steering pump today here in 70* sunnysunnysunny Austin Texas. Went pretty well considering that I did not have a vise or anything even approximating a vise. Six important little seals.
Colin