Forum Replies Created
-
Replies
-
I think most people are thinking of synthetic oil as a “fountain of youth” for their engines. My experience shows it is not, at least in stock, everyday drivers. I ran Redline 0w-30 and Chevron Supreme 5w-30 oils in a 2000 Pontiac Montana 3.4L V6, and a 2008 Buick Enclave 3.5L V6. Analyzed the oil and the wear numbers were identical. I did do a few changes with each oil before sampling to be sure there was no conflicting chemistry.
I also was under the impression I could run a lower viscosity synthetic oil as it would protect better, flow better, disperse heat better, and result in fuel economy gains. The 0w-20 and 5w-20 (not Redline) I tried did not lube the wrist pins adequately and I lost the bottom of a piston. The 3.4L V6 had 158,00 miles, and is notorious for intake gasket failures every 60,000 miles allowing coolant into the crankcase, maybe this added to the engine’s early demise. The analysis comparison was done on the new GM service replacement engine in this vehicle.
The Chevron or Shell 5w-30 or 10w-30 oil you can buy at Costco when it is on coupon special for $27 a case is just as good (for stock engines) as the $137.88 per case Redline 0w-30. For the price, you can change the oil every 1,000 miles, and still be ahead.
In my opinion, the best thing you can do for oil is change it. I think Eric has the same opinion. As a bonus, you are getting all the small particles out that cause engine wear.
I think most people are thinking of synthetic oil as a “fountain of youth” for their engines. My experience shows it is not, at least in stock, everyday drivers. I ran Redline 0w-30 and Chevron Supreme 5w-30 oils in a 2000 Pontiac Montana 3.4L V6, and a 2008 Buick Enclave 3.5L V6. Analyzed the oil and the wear numbers were identical. I did do a few changes with each oil before sampling to be sure there was no conflicting chemistry.
I also was under the impression I could run a lower viscosity synthetic oil as it would protect better, flow better, disperse heat better, and result in fuel economy gains. The 0w-20 and 5w-20 (not Redline) I tried did not lube the wrist pins adequately and I lost the bottom of a piston. The 3.4L V6 had 158,00 miles, and is notorious for intake gasket failures every 60,000 miles allowing coolant into the crankcase, maybe this added to the engine’s early demise. The analysis comparison was done on the new GM service replacement engine in this vehicle.
The Chevron or Shell 5w-30 or 10w-30 oil you can buy at Costco when it is on coupon special for $27 a case is just as good (for stock engines) as the $137.88 per case Redline 0w-30. For the price, you can change the oil every 1,000 miles, and still be ahead.
In my opinion, the best thing you can do for oil is change it. I think Eric has the same opinion. As a bonus, you are getting all the small particles out that cause engine wear.