Let's talk oil

[68post]

I spoke to my rep for Schaeffers and he told me the formula for the diesel oil I had been using in my vette changed and no longer is recommended for HFT cams. Looks like its back to the $7 a qt racing oils or Valvoline.

There was a big run on the Valvoline,( that most were using), on Amazon. It was a small case lot and was priced very well , but may have been run-up (or sold out)by now. (2 or 3 wks ago)

 

[77 K20]

I read an article yesterday about Amazon Basics full synthetic oil. Guess it is pretty much the cheapest synthetic oil out there- and is a great oil for those people who can't justify the "big spending" of buying synthetic oil.

5 quarts for $17 and some change is about as cheap as it comes.

 

[4WDKC]

I read an article yesterday about Amazon Basics full synthetic oil. Guess it is pretty much the cheapest synthetic oil out there- and is a great oil for those people who can't justify the "big spending" of buying synthetic oil.

5 quarts for $17 and some change is about as cheap as it comes.

Did they say who manufactures it or how much zinc PPM?

 

[foamypirate]

There was a big run on the Valvoline,( that most were using), on Amazon. It was a small case lot and was priced very well , but may have been run-up (or sold out)by now. (2 or 3 wks ago)

I snagged one of those. Originally ordered 3 cases of 10W30 VR1 for $36.33, but Amazon sent an email acknowledging the pricing error, but reduced the order to 1 case. Just barely got it today. Ordered it on Jan 24th. Can't complain, even though I only got 1 case. Got six quarts of 10W30 VR1 for $12.11.

 

[Hatchet54]

I am curious to know more about the specifics of where the Amazon oil comes from. That price sounds great, but wondering if it's too good to be true...

This thread has been extremely helpful, guys. Thanks for all the great discussion.
For so many years I've been uneducated about oil and always figured that putting conventional in my old machines was better since that is what they were designed for back in the day. I just never had a reason to think outside that logic until this thread, and now I've gone 180.

I recently filled my 350 with Mobil 1 high mileage full 5w-30, it was on sale on Amazon for literally less than half of what NAPA wanted for it.
Truck starts, runs, and sounds great so far. Think I might try that additive that was mentioned on my next change. Getting 'er dialed in!!!

 

[trukman1]

I remember as a kid my dad trying to teach me about engines and how they work. He took off a valve cover and it was a mess of sludge. "They probably used pennzoil" he said. I will never forget that. It's just an oil you hear nothing but bad things about. Not to hijack, but my 87 needs a change. Stock tbi 305. What I have been using is high mileage synthetic blend valvoline. 10w 30. I dont drive it in the winter. Anything wrong with that? I am open to suggestions. I dont see any reason to switch but oil is not my area of expertise. But I know how important it is.

Funny! When I was growing up and we pulled a valve cover that was all "gunked up" every mechanic said, "They used Valvoline, it does that because its a paraffin based oil." When I pointed out that the guys at the drag strip used Valvoline Racing oil they brought up the fact that those guys were changing the oil every weekend if not even while at the track.

I've used Pennzoil for years and never had a problem with sludge or wear issues. I did start adding a zinc additive since the formulations have changed over the years eliminating the zinc in most conventional oils.

I've also been advised by certified mechanics not to switch to synthetic because it can start engine leaks from the superior cleaning agents affecting the ability of the seals to keep "sealing,". They say whatever you start with is what you should run. Also told if you ever switch to synthetic you don't ever want to go back to conventional oils. I can't say why but they're adamant about that.

 

[4WDKC]

Funny! When I was growing up and we pulled a valve cover that was all "gunked up" every mechanic said, "They used Valvoline, it does that because its a paraffin based oil." When I pointed out that the guys at the drag strip used Valvoline Racing oil they brought up the fact that those guys were changing the oil every weekend if not even while at the track.

I've used Pennzoil for years and never had a problem with sludge or wear issues. I did start adding a zinc additive since the formulations have changed over the years eliminating the zinc in most conventional oils.

I've also been advised by certified mechanics not to switch to synthetic because it can start engine leaks from the superior cleaning agents affecting the ability of the seals to keep "sealing,". They say whatever you start with is what you should run. Also told if you ever switch to synthetic you don't ever want to go back to conventional oils. I can't say why but they're adamant about that.

I have never heard someone say that about Valvoline, always Penzoil in fact it received the nickname sludge inducer in the midwest.

 

[77 K20]

Did they say who manufactures it or how much zinc PPM?

They say it is manufactured by Warren Oil. Didn't see anything about zinc PPM but it does have the SN Plus rating which is a rating for turbo cars which are very hard on the oil.

 

[73c20jim]

I get my Mobil 1 from Walmart. Cheapest I have seen so far. My new 2019 Buick Encore takes
0W-20. Never even knew this stuff existed.

 

[Frankenchevy]

Costco regularly runs a case of 6quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic for $22.

They also sell a three gallon case of delo 15-40 for the same price.

I get the mobil 1 for the Hondas that go 7-10k between changes and run the delo in my diesels. I get the wix or Napa gold/platinum filter(also made in America by wix).

My 7.3 takes 14 quarts per oil change and it’s still less than $40 with a giant 2 liter sized wix filter if you buy it this way.

 

[77 K20]

Costco regularly runs a case of 6quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic for $22.

They also sell a three gallon case of delo 15-40 for the same price.

I get the mobil 1 for the Hondas that go 7-10k between changes and run the delo in my diesels. I get the wix or Napa gold/platinum filter(also made in America by wix).

My 7.3 takes 14 quarts per oil change and it’s still less than $40 with a giant 2 liter sized wix filter if you buy it this way.

Costco for $22? Huh... guess they charge different amounts in different parts of the country. I just bought a case on sale ($10 off) and it was $27. I'm getting screwed!

They say in the near future they will start selling the Mobil 1 high mileage oil there. Right now it is just the "regular" stuff.

 

[Frankenchevy]

Costco for $22? Huh... guess they charge different amounts in different parts of the country. I just bought a case on sale ($10 off) and it was $27. I'm getting screwed!

They say in the near future they will start selling the Mobil 1 high mileage oil there. Right now it is just the "regular" stuff.

You’re probably more accurate. I thought it was normally $30 less the rebate.

 

[bedwards]

Just an update. Went back to Super Tech 15w-40 2weeks ago. So far the oil leak has completely stopped but its too early to gauge the consumption. I think I am sticking to conventional in my older vehicles and the synthetics in the newer ones built for it.

 

[Preston]

Amsoil Z-Rod full synthetic oil in all my antique vehicles
www.amsoil.com dealer number 1724775

 

[dajn37]

Funny! When I was growing up and we pulled a valve cover that was all "gunked up" every mechanic said, "They used Valvoline, it does that because its a paraffin based oil." When I pointed out that the guys at the drag strip used Valvoline Racing oil they brought up the fact that those guys were changing the oil every weekend if not even while at the track.

I've used Pennzoil for years and never had a problem with sludge or wear issues. I did start adding a zinc additive since the formulations have changed over the years eliminating the zinc in most conventional oils.

I've also been advised by certified mechanics not to switch to synthetic because it can start engine leaks from the superior cleaning agents affecting the ability of the seals to keep "sealing,". They say whatever you start with is what you should run. Also told if you ever switch to synthetic you don't ever want to go back to conventional oils. I can't say why but they're adamant about that.

What's important about this conversation is actually experience. I have never used pennzoil. I am an open minded person so I am not dead set on saying pennzoil is bad. Maybe it is good. Brand loyalty has its place but it can go too far. Here is an example. I buy nothing but Samsung phones and TVs. Simply because they have always been super reliable for me. I have never had a problem with Samsung. But that's not saying that apple or whoever else doesnt also have a great product. I have found that the best people to listen too are the ones with actually experience. Just like my old bobcat I talk about. My knowledge on the subject actually means something because I own one and have experience with it. So I am open minded about pennzoil and will listen to people that actually have experience with it. Like I say, I have never used it before. I have never felt the need to change.