0W-30? no problems? Your thoughts....(R much appreciated)

[BHop]

Hello people

I know a few members on this board are using 0W-30 in their Explorers. I am thinking of the same as I am due for an oil change within the next month or so. I would like to hear what those who are using it have go to say.


First, is it really worth it, or would it be like splitting hairs? I guess using the word "worth" is associated with risk, and that's not what I want to bring across. Engines heat up quickly, so a 0W-30 would be a 0W-30 only at the initial start up.

This means that it would get to the upper portion of my motor more quickly than the 5W-30 that I am using right now. However, would my engine sound louder at startup because of the thinner oil, especially with the 4.0 OHV engine? (which is what I have)

If I do go ahead with it I am going to use German Castrol Syntec 0W-30, as it is the only true synthetic oil that Castrol carries. All of the other grades, as you may know are synthetic by legalities. Has this particular brand and grade of oil given anybody any problems?

Has anyone seen a slight hike in fuel economy by using a 0W30 synthetic oil?

Has any brand of 0W-30 given anyone any grief? I really want to make the switch and see if I notice a difference, but at the same time I just want to make sure it's all good.

Does a synthetic 0W-30 do as good of a job as a synthetic 5W-30?


Thoughts...

 

[rizzjc]

I've used Amsoil Series 2000 0W30 since new. Recently changed to something heavier because I was losing some (somewhere). After seeing that the front seal was leaking worse than I thought (and replacing it) I've put the Series 2000 back in it. So, we'll see if I continue to have to add. I don't smoke or anything, so I'm not sure where else it might go.

Worth it? Tough sell. It's expensive. Get better gas mileage, but not enough better the pay for it. 145k on the vehicle now. Maybe at 250k I can say it was worth every penny, but I haven't been UNHAPPY with it (other than the cost - which goes up every 6 months it seems).

 

[302Xplorer]

What will your oci be with this 0w-30?
I used Castrol GC, saw a slight decrease in gas mileage as compared to the M1 5w-30 I had been using.
Expected as much, seeing as how GC is close to being a 40wt.
Switched to 5w-20 MC, she seems to really like that (uoa pending).

 

[celly]

I'm using Amsoil Series 2000 0W30 as well. I thought it was funny to hear from those using 5W30 and even 10W30 telling me that I shouldn't be using "lighter" oil because of protection issues, blah blah blah. So many people don't understand oil ratings!

Anyhow, all the 0 weight oil is going to give you is extra protection at very cold temps, so it's overkill for some people. If they had a 5W30 Series 2000, I'd probably use that. It's great oil especially when used with Amsoil Ea filters. I'm changing once a year and a UOA would probably tell me I can go longer because I don't drive a lot in a year.

Worth it? I view oil changes as one area that I'm not worried about spending a bit more. After all I'm only changing once a year so in long run I'm spending less than those who have bought into the 3000 mile fallacy!

 

[rizzjc]

Yeah, well, if you're thinking about doing a 3000 mile oci with Series 2000, then send some of that extra money you've got my way, 'cause that's just throwing it away. I average 10-15k on mine. Oil analysis has shortened my intervals some, and forced me to stick with the 1x per year change. I'll be doing some new analysis in 5k-10k miles though, since I've been in there working on it.

 

[BHop]

What will your oci be with this 0w-30?
I used Castrol GC, saw a slight decrease in gas mileage as compared to the M1 5w-30 I had been using.
Expected as much, seeing as how GC is close to being a 40wt.
Switched to 5w-20 MC, she seems to really like that (uoa pending).

So the German Castrol turns to an almost 40 weight when it reaches operating temperature? Weird...

And, your using a 5W-20 in your engine? Have you seen an improvement in fuel economy, or anything else? When are you due to have the 5W-20 tested?

It seems less likely that I will switch over to the GC 0W30 as it's weight goes beyond optimal levels at operating temperature, curving any chance at improved fuel economy. Furthermore, it doesn't get cold enough here for the GC castrol to play a vital role.

Do I have all this straight?

How about Mobil1 0W30? Anyone tried it out?

Thanks again...

 

[302Xplorer]

Yes, GC is a very thick 30wt oil.

As for the 5w-20, I do use this but I have the 5.0 V8 as well. I do not think your engine has 5w-20 as it's recommended oil weight. I have seen improved fuel econ. but nothing to get excited about.

How long in between changes will you be running this oil you chose?
I go 5 k. and use Motorcraft 5w-20 semi synth and their filter.

 

[BHop]

302Xplorer:

I have close to 8000 + miles on the Valvoline Synpower in my engine. I know it can hold out for long, but I have some time off, and would like to do it while I do have this time off.

According to the test done by Amsoil (which have pitted their Amsoil 10W30 against 10 or so different brands of oil), Valvoline Synpower is a very close 2nd place on average right after Amsoil. And where I live it's pretty cheap too, approx $25 for 5 liters. Mind you the test was done on a 10W30 and not a 5W30, so who knows what the results would have been if the test where conducted on a 5W30. Probably not too different... I think.

I have recently read that Mobil1 is now using Group3 base oils in some if not, all of their formulations. For example, their extended performance has been tested, only to find that it's primarily Group3 base oils, and hardly any Group4.

What *******s! They brought Castrol to court for the very same thing, and now they're committing the very same sin! Have have yet to here if it holds true to their 5W30, or 0W30 formula though.

Has anyone heard about this/can elaborate on this?

Thanks

 

[302Xplorer]

Ok, an 8k + OCI.
I would reccomend Amsoil's 0w-30 and their filter.
I have been following the M1 grpIII debachle for some time now. I do not doubt the quality of their products, I just think they have proven themselves to be underhanded in their dealings w/ customers and will not use their products anymore.
Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I do believe in order to make a 0w-xx oil one needs to use a 100% grp IV or V base.

 

[BHop]

302 Xplorer

I would use amsoil, but it's too expensive out here.

Through a retailer, it's like $20 a liter.

I may end up ordering it if it comes down to it. I have an account @ a local automotive store, so I can get a pretty good deal on what they have, so that's why I am inquiring about the GC, and Mobil1 0W-30: I want to make it easy on my wallet. And they don't carry Amsoil either.

I may just go ahead with the Mobil 5W-30, but does anyone know for sure if it they use the Group 3 base oils? If it does, I dunno if I will.

Here is a question: How does the group 3 base oils compare to conventional oil? they must be better than the conventionals... right?

And yes, that is a very good question: Don't you need Group4 & 5 base oils to make a 0W-## oil? I believe you do, but I am not 100% sure. I think I read about it on a forum but at the same time I have done so much investigating over the last few days on this subject, that I don't even know for sure.

What do you guys think?

 

[rizzjc]

Become a preferred customer, under a dealer, and get dealer pricing. Probably still higher up there, and you'd have to pay shipping, but it shouldn't be *that* bad.

 

[rizzjc]

Dealer price is "only" $9.45 per liter, plus shipping. Heck, MSRP is nowhere near $20.

 

[302Xplorer]

Dealer price is "only" $9.45 per liter, plus shipping. Heck, MSRP is nowhere near $20.

He is in Canada, that may be the reason for the discrepancy in pricing.

 

[celly]

Like Joe said, get a membership. I didn't get a "dealer" membership, but "preferred" instead. Pricing is the same. Saves a lot of money over "retail" and Amsoil does not gouge on shipping from their Edmonton warehouse either.

 

[302Xplorer]

BHop
I would feel comfortable running any quality synthetic for the oci that you have mentioned. Be it Mobil 1, Castrol GC or syntec, Amsoil, Redline or valvoline synpower along w/ a quality filter.
I would consider having a uoa performed.

 

[celly]

He is in Canada, that may be the reason for the discrepancy in pricing.

There is a discrepancy and a big one. Amsoil uses an ancient exchange rate which is closer to 1.50. I pay 1.08 for USD at work (we have several US suppliers). Not just Amsoil. A lot of US suppliers do that.

 

[302Xplorer]

There is a discrepancy and a big one. Amsoil uses an ancient exchange rate which is closer to 1.50. I pay 1.08 for USD at work (we have several US suppliers). Not just Amsoil. A lot of US suppliers do that.

Boo!
At least you guys have a good health care program.

 

[BHop]

Boo!
At least you guys have a good health care program.

lol, take the word "good" out, then it would be more accurate. That depends on who you ask.

Doesn't a membership cost something like $20... and doesn't it only last a year... meaning that by the time I need another oil change, meaning that every time I need a change I would need to pay this fee?

 

[rizzjc]

He is in Canada, that may be the reason for the discrepancy in pricing.

Those were Canadian prices I quoted.

 

[rizzjc]

lol, take the word "good" out, then it would be more accurate. That depends on who you ask.

Doesn't a membership cost something like $20... and doesn't it only last a year... meaning that by the time I need another oil change, meaning that every time I need a change I would need to pay this fee?

A 6 month preferred customer membership is $10. I would just order it by the case, and get your filters, or whatever you need, and order it all at once to save shipping. It's not cheap, don't get me wrong, but if you do want Amsoil, at the best price, that's the way to do it.