OILS AINT OILS

[Loz]

I have always done what I thought was the right thing and ran Penrite Oils in my 1HZ but I have some mates with a workshop in Perth (Fenmac Autos) who do heaps of work on these motors and one of the things they have done over the past few years is send oil samples off for analysis.

They swear blind that the oil that yields best results (least crap build up and/or breakdown) for that motor is Valvoline and as a result use that in every 1HZ that comes through the shop.

What do you think?

[Wilesy]

I used to use Valvoline ever since I started to drive, and through this and other forums, they tell me that the best oils to use are synthetic and Mobil 1 is up there with the best of them.

Ok I thought, so I changed over despite the cost of being $12 for 5 litres of Valvoline, to $60 for 5 litres of Mobil 1… >:(

The first oil change I did, the motor definitely sounded louder and the tappets were definitely distinctive, though I thought I would persevere, and did a second and third change with no better results. The car drove just the same as with Valvoline. :-\

I decided to change back despite what everyone said. After the first oil change back, without a doubt the motor was a lot quieter again, and instead of paying over $100+ and that's being conservative for oil changes I was back to $40 again including Oil filter 8)

When you work it out, if like me many people change their oil every 10k, then that’s a $60 difference every change, and over the period of use, as I have traveled nearly 300,000 kilometres, I have saved about $1,800.00 I have saved so far. Imagine if I changed the oil every 5,000 kilometres….that would have saved me $3,600.00! And that's being conservative!

I know people say that the engine is supposed to last longer with better oil, but I have $1,800 in my pocket now and the engine still runs like new….

I have been told that Synthetic oils don’t contain ingredients to help ‘quieten’ an engine, so I prefer to have a quiet engine and the money in my pocket…

Many mechanics also say don’t chop & change oils which you use….try buying good synthetic oil like Mobil 1 when you need an emergency oil change in the bush after a mishap.

Everyone & his mixed business sells Valvoline XLD..

[Wilesy]

Then again, my view is there is no better oil than “Frequently Changed” oil…..

[Thommo the Hut]

i was told by a friend who tests old for mine trucks/dozers that most car/4wd oils carn't be tested due to the fact that there is too much contamination in the engine for them to test it.
and never use cheap no name oil, i was working for a mechanic in bairsdale last year and we had a VW beetle come in for an engine problem, took the motor a apart and there was ash deposits every where.
and as wilesy said "frequently changed" is better.

[Bundy]

I have started to use the cruiser oil and thus far 3 oil changes and 12500kms been very impressed with the results. Improved fuel economy and smoother revving

[bigjules]

In another thread on oils I mentioned that I used to be a chemical engineer in the oil and grease development lab of a major oil company.

Oils is oils, that is one synthetic is as good as another synthetic and one mineral oil.. you get it.

Some engines will run better with a synthetic oil, but not every engine. You should generally use the oil grade specified by the manufacturer.

I use Penrite, 'cause it's a good Australian product, good price and works well. If I had an X5 I would almost certainly use an expensive synthetic oil, because that's what the engine has been designed to run on.

As for longevity of oils, desiels excepted, oil is good for much more than 5000km, probably closer to 20000km, though the manufacturers wouldn't say that. That said, I change mine every 10000, and might do more frequently if the engine was working really hard in really hot conditions.

Used to use Mobil 1 in my commodore, but since getting rid off it for the 4by have been using standard oil when vehicle was serviced; (Castrol I think).
I changed oil & filter myself last time using Shell Helix Plus, (semi synthetic). Found engine ran much quieter & seemed to perform a little better. Will use it again.

Cheers
Allan Mac

[Ozzyboy]

Yep i agree, i am a diesel mechanic and have been using Shell Helix for all most light commercial diesels (unless owner wants otherwise) and no probs at all. Not the cheapest but not the most expensive either. I also use it in my own 1HZ.

[Loz]

The common theme seems to be regular oil changes. Dont worry you're preaching to the converted- my bus goes in between 5-7K regularly.

I have this allergy to using spanners- It seems every time I pick up a spanner I lose skin, which is a pity coz servicing aint getting any cheaper!

[Pitbull]

When i bought the Hilux the 2.8 had just over 100thoukm which is not much , i was using Valvoline Super Diesel 15w40 and the engine was requireing about 1.5 litres of top up oil every 5000km ( thats too much ) this is what was happening for 4 oil changes using Valvoline .
Changed to BP Vanellus C6 Global Plus 10w40 (a thinner oil ) and and oil usage in 5000km now is very minimal about 300mm , so i have to agree oils aint oils

[baby_troupe]

I won't use Valvoline again.
I bought 20l of it for the first oil changes when I bought my lil troopy.
On the second change, I started having oil pressure problems.
I changed the oil to Castrol GTD & the problem hasn't been back since.
I am now on my 4th drum of GTD (20l drum)

[foxy]

This is of interest to me as I am picking up a new TD Mazda Bravo tomorrow.

What do you guys think a good oil is for this vehicle??

I always used Mobil 1 in my Commodore V8's with no issues.

Suprisingly they recommend the same oil for the deisel on the mobil web site......

[Pitbull]

I used Mobil 1 for a couple of oil changes before changing to BP and had no problems , it is an excellent oil and its diesel equivelant is Delvac 1 and costs even more .
I have been using Mobil SHC full synthetic gear oil in the gearbox , transfercase and both diffs , after 40thou km the oil is still not black this includes better gear changes

[baby_troupe]

This is of interest to me as I am picking up a new TD Mazda Bravo tomorrow.

What do you guys think a good oil is for this vehicle??

I always used Mobil 1 in my Commodore V8's with no issues.

Suprisingly they recommend the same oil for the deisel on the mobil web site......

Mobil one is a top oil & if buying a new vehicle, I reccomend it from day one.

[bigjules]

The common theme seems to be regular oil changes. Dont worry you're preaching to the converted- my bus goes in between 5-7K regularly.

I have this allergy to using spanners- It seems every time I pick up a spanner I lose skin, which is a pity coz servicing aint getting any cheaper!


Try using sockets where you can ;D :D :) ;)

The common theme seems to be regular oil changes. Dont worry you're preaching to the converted- my bus goes in between 5-7K regularly.

I have this allergy to using spanners- It seems every time I pick up a spanner I lose skin, which is a pity coz servicing aint getting any cheaper!


Try using sockets where you can ;D :D :) ;)


I fully agree, AVOID SHIFTERS LIKE THE PLAGUE! ;)