What oil are you using right now?
11-16-12, 11:49 AM
#46
Lexus Test Driver
I think it would be alright. 5W-20 doesnt loose much in visc. compared to 5W-30. Try it, (just make sure it doesnt consume it too much) And I recommend the PP 5W-20. On the flip side of the coin, I use Conventional 5W-30 in mine (GTX currently) and it runs fantastic! So I figure with the Conventional oil`stoday being better than they ever were (due to strict vehicle requirements) why bother with the Synthetic? This is why i`m not using it in mine right now. Choice is your`s, just depends on what you looking to accomplish I guess. Also I have a tow hitch on mine, and I just wouldnt feel comfortable towing anything on 5W-20.
11-17-12, 05:37 PM
#47
Extended oil change intervals with the right oil
5W30 Mobil1, which ours has seen since new.
I do 10K mile changes. Yes, ten thousand miles.
LA4Mead...Mercedes used to recommend C4 diesel motor oil for all their gasoline-engined vehicles. My old Baby Beater Benz, a '95 E320, has high-interval changes, on synthetic Rotella, and it uses maybe a quart over 10K miles. I'm the third owner, and I know the second owners didn't understand the sump holds 7 quarts, so it was always run at least 2 quarts/litres low...for the 20K miles before I bought it.
The oil life indicator on the '05 STS V8 I have gives me about 12K miles between changes. Though, 8 quart sump.
That's a lot, sure, but nothing compared to the Cummins ISB in the motocoach...that sucker holds 4 gallons.
I do 10K mile changes. Yes, ten thousand miles.
LA4Mead...Mercedes used to recommend C4 diesel motor oil for all their gasoline-engined vehicles. My old Baby Beater Benz, a '95 E320, has high-interval changes, on synthetic Rotella, and it uses maybe a quart over 10K miles. I'm the third owner, and I know the second owners didn't understand the sump holds 7 quarts, so it was always run at least 2 quarts/litres low...for the 20K miles before I bought it.
The oil life indicator on the '05 STS V8 I have gives me about 12K miles between changes. Though, 8 quart sump.
That's a lot, sure, but nothing compared to the Cummins ISB in the motocoach...that sucker holds 4 gallons.
Regardless of brand, the oil seems to start looking dark and dirty after I use EFI cleaner, either in the fuel (often Techron from Costco, or concentrated STP/generic from Walmart or Pep Boys) or directly when I clean through the throttle body with CRC, usually about 10,000 miles or so. That dark color is what usually makes me think it's time to change the oil.
Am I doing something wrong, or overdoing it?
Last edited by LA4Mead; 11-17-12 at 05:41 PM.
05-05-13, 10:00 PM
#49
Moderator
With the Rotella T synthetic still appearing not too shabby by 6,000++ miles (just barely starting to oxidize) I could likely extend my interval, and probably should.
Regardless of brand, the oil seems to start looking dark and dirty after I use EFI cleaner, either in the fuel (often Techron from Costco, or concentrated STP/generic from Walmart or Pep Boys) or directly when I clean through the throttle body with CRC, usually about 10,000 miles or so. That dark color is what usually makes me think it's time to change the oil.
Am I doing something wrong, or overdoing it?
Regardless of brand, the oil seems to start looking dark and dirty after I use EFI cleaner, either in the fuel (often Techron from Costco, or concentrated STP/generic from Walmart or Pep Boys) or directly when I clean through the throttle body with CRC, usually about 10,000 miles or so. That dark color is what usually makes me think it's time to change the oil.
Am I doing something wrong, or overdoing it?
Every one has their own plan, but when I was using dino oil, I would change oil every 3k miles and after switching to European synthetic at 5k miles intervals.
Color is just one indicator. I would suggest set the trip meter.
Salim
10-11-13, 06:14 PM
#51
I've been using Pennzoil Ultra 5w30 for the past 3 changes at 4000 mi intervals and am quite happy with the cleaning aspect of this brand.Although my engine didn't have a sludge problem it did have varnish build up,and I plan to pull the front valve cover in the future to see how much difference this type oil makes.
10-12-13, 05:59 AM
#52
10-12-13, 08:21 AM
#53
..Did not clarify it. But now its all synthetic all the time baby!!!
Also have noticed that with penz ulta the engine is "cleaner" and much smoother. And i like it
10-12-13, 05:12 PM
#54
Lexus Test Driver
You can use dino oil (conventional), syn, dino, syn, dino, dino ,syn, and syn. Nothing will happen. It's just an old urban legend.
10-12-13, 05:48 PM
#55
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Synthetic oil
Synthetic is no longer synthetic. Mobil uses a Dino oil blend, as do most others. I think Amsoil and Redline are pure synthetic, and maybe some lesser known branda.
10-13-13, 12:06 PM
#56
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Mechanic was using Castrol GTX 10W-30 in mine until I started doing my own oil changes a few months back. I just did a change last night and used Valvoline High Mileage synthetic blend. I have 200,923 miles on my 2001 RX300
10-14-13, 12:48 AM
#57
True, it hasn't been for a while but I don't think current synthetics would so much be called a blend as a refining of conventional crude so that the end product comes out with all the characteristics of synthetics. I'm not a strong fan of Mobil but that's all Wal Mart carried in 0-20 at the time of the 1st change on my wifes '11 Camry. I run about 9K mi. change intervals (recommended 10K) and have been very happy with 0 consumption and very clean at 9K. They do carry Penn Platinum and Ultra now in 0-20 so I at least have that option.
10-14-13, 06:16 AM
#58
I'd love to switch, but every time I think about doing it and researching a little, I see where enough people have had leaks develop and so I just can't pull the trigger. Lettin' sleeping dogs lie...
03-01-14, 11:00 AM
#60
Moderator
Pennzoil Platinum on sale at Advance Auto
I went into Advance Auto looking for Auto RX, and I found PP with a Fram Ultra Guard filter for 32.99. Not sure if that was a local special in Milwaukee, or a national thing, but it's just about half off this way...
http://slickdeals.net/forums/attachm...0&d=1393644111
http://slickdeals.net/forums/attachm...0&d=1393644111
Last edited by 2KHarrier; 03-01-14 at 11:03 AM.