Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Best Engine Oil?
| Best Engine Oil? [message #228279] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 10:17  |
MichaelP
Messages: 65
Registered: October 2012
Location: Ohio
Karma: 0
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Is there a consensus on the group about the best engine oil to use? Getting a lot of conflicting information, and searched the GMC resources with even more differing opinions.
What say you?
We are currently on a cross-country trip and have had difficulty finding straight 30 weight, non detergent options (which we've been told is the best). If someone can list some options that would be readily available until we can get to our destination and put the optimal oil in, that would be extremely helpful.
[Updated on: Sun, 03 November 2013 10:28] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil? [message #228286 is a reply to message #228285] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 10:54  |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
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Johnny,
Spot on, Mate!
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Johnny Bridges
Sent: Sunday, November 03, 2013 10:44 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil?
No, there isn't.
--johnny
From: Michael Pisano <mapisano@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sunday, November 3, 2013 11:17 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil?
Is there a consensus on the group about the best engine oil to use? Getting a lot of conflicting information, and searched the GMC
resources with even more differing opinions.
What say you?
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil? [message #228289 is a reply to message #228286] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 11:06 |
Ronald Pottol
Messages: 505
Registered: September 2012
Location: Redwood City, California
Karma: -2
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Oil is a good thing to have in your motor. Multi grade might be a useful
improvement over single grade.
;-)
Plato seems wrong to me today.
On Nov 3, 2013 8:54 AM, "Rob Mueller" <robmueller@iinet.net.au> wrote:
> Johnny,
>
> Spot on, Mate!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:
> gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Johnny Bridges
> Sent: Sunday, November 03, 2013 10:44 AM
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil?
>
> No, there isn't.
>
> --johnny
>
> From: Michael Pisano <mapisano@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Sunday, November 3, 2013 11:17 AM
> Subject: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil?
>
> Is there a consensus on the group about the best engine oil to use?
> Getting a lot of conflicting information, and searched the GMC
> resources with even more differing opinions.
>
> What say you?
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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1973 26' GM outfitted
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| Re: Best Engine Oil? [message #228291 is a reply to message #228279] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 11:13 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| MichaelP wrote on Sun, 03 November 2013 09:17 |
Is there a consensus on the group about the best engine oil to use? Getting a lot of conflicting information, and searched the GMC resources with even more differing opinions.
What say you?
We are currently on a cross-country trip and have had difficulty finding straight 30 weight, non detergent options (which we've been told is the best). If someone can list some options that would be readily available until we can get to our destination and put the optimal oil in, that would be extremely helpful.
|
I hate to get into the fray again but there may be one thing most of us would agree on and that is that you do want detergent oil.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil? [message #228294 is a reply to message #228286] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 11:22 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Johnny & Rob are correct! There is no correct oil, only personal choices. I ran the Rotella T 15W-40 for a number of years a switched to Rotella T 15W-40 Synthetic when it came on the market, both were good oils and worked well for me. In our present coach we run Mobil 1 15W-50 because that is what the PO was using and we stayed with it and it allows us to stretch the oil change interval a little bit.
The bottom line here is run what you like, there is no correct oil. I do recommend IMHPO running a ZDDP additive. I have used both of these additives.
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1018
or
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/general-pictures/p48859-rislone-oil-additive.html
This is my personal choice and cheap insurance to protect the engine.
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Nov 3, 2013, at 11:54 AM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au> wrote:
> Johnny,
>
> Spot on, Mate!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Johnny Bridges
> Sent: Sunday, November 03, 2013 10:44 AM
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil?
>
> No, there isn't.
>
> --johnny
>
> From: Michael Pisano <mapisano@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Sunday, November 3, 2013 11:17 AM
> Subject: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil?
>
> Is there a consensus on the group about the best engine oil to use? Getting a lot of conflicting information, and searched the GMC
> resources with even more differing opinions.
>
> What say you?
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: Best Engine Oil? [message #228303 is a reply to message #228279] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 12:10 |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
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| MichaelP wrote on Sun, 03 November 2013 08:17 |
Is there a consensus on the group about the best engine oil to use? Getting a lot of conflicting information, and searched the GMC resources with even more differing opinions.
What say you?
We are currently on a cross-country trip and have had difficulty finding straight 30 weight, non detergent options (which we've been told is the best). If someone can list some options that would be readily available until we can get to our destination and put the optimal oil in, that would be extremely helpful.
|
Are you just replacing oil that is is being burned or leaking? If so there's no point in paying for synthetic. You can can get the 5 quart jug of Castrol 10W-30 at most of the chain stores for around $20.
1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
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| Re: Best Engine Oil? [message #228325 is a reply to message #228310] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 16:32 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| MichaelP wrote on Sun, 03 November 2013 13:57 |
We're going with the Rotella T 15W-40 (white bottle, heavy duty diesel). It's cheap, they have it hear at Walmart, and we got a couple confirmations by longtime GMCers on it.
Was about to go synthetic with Mobile 1 15w-50, but would have had to drive around town to find it, and pay about twice the price of the Rotella.
-Michael
|
Micheal,
I have been running Mobil 1 15-50 for about 30k miles.
BUT (Big But here - not mine specifically), If your engine is consuming more than 1 quart per 1K mile, stay away from synthetics.
Most of them form a glass hard deposit in the combustion space that is very difficult (some say impossible) to remove when rebuild time comes.
Also, if you haven't heard, there is a good chance that your dipstick calibration is off. If you fill it to the full mark with 6 quarts after a change with filter, the top quart may go away real fast. If that happens, run it longer and see if the consumption rate does go down. I run mine at the "Add" mark and don't even have to make up a quart in 2k miles.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Best Engine Oil? [message #228329 is a reply to message #228322] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 17:22 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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| Lightfoot wrote on Sun, 03 November 2013 14:24 |
Fyi...
I was told that amount of zinc in most oils for today's vehicles is less than ...
....
Anybody heard anything like that before?
|
Yes.
Discussed to death.
Best Engine Oil?
Best for what?
-- Regardless of price?
-- best for newly rebuilt engines?
-- best for high mileage engines?
I buy the store brand at WalMart. They have a version that is formulated with zinc for older cars. It is labeled as "SF" and I understand is a little lacking in detergents. It is relatively cheap and it works if you change you oil fairly often.
Use of a good filter is more important. (Wix)
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
[Updated on: Sun, 03 November 2013 17:23] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Best Engine Oil? [message #228331 is a reply to message #228279] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 17:49 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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1. Straight 30 weight is no longer recommended, despite what the manual says.
2. Do not use anything "thinner" than 10W30, unless you are in temperatures like 0F and lower.
3. Do not use anything "thicker" than 15W40, unless you are in temperatures like 110F and higher.
4. Do not use additives, except maybe something to increase the ZDDP levels (no scientific proof that it helps anything, but it is one of the few additives than won't be detrimental).
If you find yourself in need of oil, and all that is available is thicker than 15W40 or thinner than 10W30, it is probably better than nothing. If I were forced to use several quarts of 5W20, I would add a can of STP Oil Treatment (if it is available) to boost the viscosity a little.
I use 10W30 because, at operating temperature, it is EXACTLY the viscosity for which the engine was designed and built. At lower temperatures (when the engine is first started and as it warms up) it has lubricating properties very close to what 30 weight has at operating temperatures.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil? [message #228336 is a reply to message #228331] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 18:13 |
Kingsley Coach
Messages: 2691
Registered: March 2009
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Karma: -34
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Michael
Where do you live ...I didn't see it in your 'signature' ?
Tks
Mike in NS
On Sun, Nov 3, 2013 at 7:49 PM, A. <markbb1@netzero.com> wrote:
>
>
> 1. Straight 30 weight is no longer recommended, despite what the manual
> says.
>
> 2. Do not use anything "thinner" than 10W30, unless you are in
> temperatures like 0F and lower.
>
> 3. Do not use anything "thicker" than 15W40, unless you are in
> temperatures like 110F and higher.
>
> 4. Do not use additives, except maybe something to increase the ZDDP
> levels (no scientific proof that it helps anything, but it is one of the
> few additives than won't be detrimental).
>
> If you find yourself in need of oil, and all that is available is thicker
> than 15W40 or thinner than 10W30, it is probably better than nothing. If I
> were forced to use several quarts of 5W20, I would add a can of STP Oil
> Treatment (if it is available) to boost the viscosity a little.
>
> I use 10W30 because, at operating temperature, it is EXACTLY the viscosity
> for which the engine was designed and built. At lower temperatures (when
> the engine is first started and as it warms up) it has lubricating
> properties very close to what 30 weight has at operating temperatures.
> --
> '73 23' Sequoia For Sale
> '73 23' CanyonLands For Sale
> UA (Upper Alabama)
> CanyonLands most likely for a parts coach. Sequoia being restored to
> service.
> _______________________________________________
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--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS
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| Re: Best Engine Oil? [message #228337 is a reply to message #228279] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 18:27 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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I don't know where you picked up the non detergent idea. That would be for vehicles way prior built to the GMC. Oil tech has changed in the last 40 years and now multi weight is recommended for better flow at start up especially on a vehicle that might sit 6 months with drain down in the severe range (dry). I don't go past 40 weight as volume delivery can begin to suffer at higher viscosity along with more likely to open bypass routes and put more strain in the bevel gears I run Rotela T6 5w-40 Full Synthetic. Listening to Dick Patterson, synthetic. Cosumption is almost non measurable.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil? [message #228344 is a reply to message #228325] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 19:37 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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If your engine is burning more than 1 quart of oil in 1000 miles why would you want to use an expensive synthetic anyway?
Bad economics.
Matt
Please give me a reference to your claim that synthetics form a glass hard deposit in the combustion space.
Thank you.
Emery Stora
On Nov 3, 2013, at 3:32 PM, Matt Colie <matt7323tze@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> MichaelP wrote on Sun, 03 November 2013 13:57
>> We're going with the Rotella T 15W-40 (white bottle, heavy duty diesel). It's cheap, they have it hear at Walmart, and we got a couple confirmations by longtime GMCers on it.
>>
>> Was about to go synthetic with Mobile 1 15w-50, but would have had to drive around town to find it, and pay about twice the price of the Rotella.
>>
>> -Michael
>
> Micheal,
>
> I have been running Mobil 1 15-50 for about 30k miles.
> BUT (Big But here - not mine specifically), If your engine is consuming more than 1 quart per 1K mile, stay away from synthetics.
> Most of them form a glass hard deposit in the combustion space that is very difficult (some say impossible) to remove when rebuild time comes.
>
> Also, if you haven't heard, there is a good chance that your dipstick calibration is off. If you fill it to the full mark with 6 quarts after a change with filter, the top quart may go away real fast. If that happens, run it longer and see if the consumption rate does go down. I run mine at the "Add" mark and don't even have to make up a quart in 2k miles.
>
> Matt
>
>
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie
> '73 Glacier 23 Chaumière (say show-me-air)
> Now with 4 working Rear Brakes
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> _______________________________________________
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> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: Best Engine Oil? [message #228350 is a reply to message #228279] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 20:36 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| MichaelP wrote on Sun, 03 November 2013 09:17 |
Is there a consensus on the group about the best engine oil to use? Getting a lot of conflicting information, and searched the GMC resources with even more differing opinions.
What say you?
We are currently on a cross-country trip and have had difficulty finding straight 30 weight, non detergent options (which we've been told is the best). If someone can list some options that would be readily available until we can get to our destination and put the optimal oil in, that would be extremely helpful.
|
Michael, as I mentioned in my first post, hardly anyone picked up on the fact that you are looking for non detergent oil since they are anxious to promote a position. That is a big mistake. Use detergent oil no matter what the rest of the possibilities may be.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best Engine Oil? [message #228366 is a reply to message #228344] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 22:29 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
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| emerystora wrote on Sun, 03 November 2013 20:37 |
If your engine is burning more than 1 quart of oil in 1000 miles why would you want to use an expensive synthetic anyway?
Bad economics.
Matt
Please give me a reference to your claim that synthetics form a glass hard deposit in the combustion space.
Thank you.
Emery Stora
|
Emery,
Of course I agree with your economic analysis. I mentioned that only because some people have gotten the idea that it is always better to use the "better" stuff when in actual fact the "better" stuff may be the wrong stuff in some cases.
I have two personal and two test engine samples:
- A Kohler 30cuin 12Hp that blew a second ring and started to eat lube oil before I realized the high consumption rate. Formed deposits on the cylinder head and piston crown. The piston was a confirmed kill, but cleaning what ever that was on the head and valve surfaces was a big problem. I scrapped the exhaust valve, used a torch to thermal shock the head so badly that it warped 0.008 and it is a tiny casting, but I was able to mill it flat enough to use.
- A 2.2l Chrysler in one of our mini-vans. I know it had bad bore wear and told my son to be sure to check the lube oil level regularly. Well, he isn't too good at using a dipstick, and as he is a serious smoker, I could no longer approach the vehicle to check on it and survive. He was regularly over filling the oil because he never checked the seating of the stick. So, with the oil over full, it was pulling over much more than there was any good reason to expect. When he ran out of the oil I had told him to utilize, he went for two full cases of the M1-10w30 that I kept for the Kohlers. After he burned off the entire family reserve, he let the lube oil get low rather than bother me with the fact.
When I had the engine out with the hope of salvage, I discovered the same internal glaze.
- The second year of the 8.0 Viper engines were all specified and shipped with Mobil 1. Two of the test engines that exhibited high lube oil consumption were found to have the same familiar glaze on the heads of the out of round bores. Other engines that did not have high lube oil consumption did not exhibit the same glaze in tear-down. It had to do with how good Mound Road was at making round holes for the pistons....
Later builds had a plate oil cooler and did not specify Mobil 1.
I asked a Mobil program engineer, and he gave me a very complete explanation about how the same thing that makes the sythetic good for higher temperatures can disassociate in the flame front and form something that as I understood was very glass like - like sodium silicate - (not NaSiO?) but like it). I really wish you had been there to understand it for me.
During one discussion, Ken Burton reference a similar experience.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Best Engine Oil? [message #228367 is a reply to message #228279] |
Sun, 03 November 2013 22:44 |
|
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| MichaelP wrote on Sun, 03 November 2013 11:17 |
Is there a consensus on the group about the best engine oil to use? Getting a lot of conflicting information, and searched the GMC resources with even more differing opinions.
What say you?
We are currently on a cross-country trip and have had difficulty finding straight 30 weight, non detergent options (which we've been told is the best). If someone can list some options that would be readily available until we can get to our destination and put the optimal oil in, that would be extremely helpful.
|
Michael,
There is a danger with picking up a thread in the middle.
I also had missed that you were looking for a Non-detergent Straight 30...
I don't know who advised you of that, but like Bob, I will tell you that that is a bad choice. There have been some serious improvements in lube oils in forty years.
The only thing you should be avoiding is oil SL and on that have a Sunburst certification as they will not have the anti-wear additives that your engine would like to have. This is from a talk by our own John Richardson.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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