first oil change and tire pressures?

[crazyjoe]

quote:Originally posted by Sas

"....I would go to Mobil 1, particularly with a turbo....."

I'm not attempting to start a "dreaded" oil thread here, and this is a question from a PT wannabe owner, but if the manufacturer doesn't call for it, why do you feel it's necessary to use synthetic oil if you change engine oil at the scheduled intervals? Does dino not meet the proper lubrication standards?

If you'd like, I can try to find the website where they were testing some various synthetic oils. Mobil1 oil, adding oil when the car was low, and chaging filters every 6,000 miles, lasted something like 18,000 miles in their test car, with no viscosity breakdown, with no buildup of contaminants or dirt. So it's a great oil, and will last much longer than regular dino oil.

Now, if you're one of those guys who changes his synthetic oil every 2,000 miles, then yeah, you're just wasting it, much like spraying glass cleaner on a clean mirror.

But I definitely understand the use of synthetic oils. they offer greater protection and longer life.

I also know that you can get a car to run forever on regular dino oil. I've done it and so have others.

[coolvanillagt]

Ok, I've changed that air pressure, but had to do it when they were hot on the way home, so tomorrow will recheck. Hate not having a compressor anymore...
Regarding Mobil 1.......first used it in 1978 or so..a Vega. Operating temp went from just at 220 down to 190 with just the oil change. Next vehicle was a VW bug. The lifters quietened down in less than 1/2 the time, plus valve adjustments showed less clearance fluctuation. Many vehicles later, I swear by it. Do I always use it? no. Some of my cars weren't mechanicaly worth it. Drawbacks? cost. And I usually go 2,000 over the recommended dino oil interval when I run Mobil 1. I know, I know...but hey, it's my car, my money I'm wasting. LOL ps. it rides much smoother with some AIR in the tires!

[Sas]

"...Dino oil meets Daimler/Chrysler standards, but why in the world settle for "meets" when one can use synthetic which has proven time after time over time to far exceed standards - enhances performance, resists lubricant breakdown & extends engine life....

Now that sounds like just like many of the "dino oil" advertisements out there today. I guess my question should have been..."If you are not running synthetic oil to the maximum mileage it is good for and you are changing it at 3000-3500 miles, why are you paying the extra dollars when products like Castrol GTX and Shell Rotella will work just as well for that mileage and at a fraction of the cost of syn? In my experience, the only oil related engine failures I can recall were from oil that was so dirty that it had lost all lubrication properties; oil that was so low the oil pump could not distribute it; or an engine with a bad headgasket that was allowing water to dilute the oil beyond its capacity to perform its duty.

[wait4me6920]

quote:Originally posted by Sas


Now that sounds like just like many of the "dino oil" advertisements out there today. I guess my question should have been..."If you are not running synthetic oil to the maximum mileage it is good for and you are changing it at 3000-3500 miles, why are you paying the extra dollars when products like Castrol GTX and Shell Rotella will work just as well for that mileage and at a fraction of the cost of syn? In my experience, the only oil related engine failures I can recall were from oil that was so dirty that it had lost all lubrication properties; oil that was so low the oil pump could not distribute it; or an engine with a bad headgasket that was allowing water to dilute the oil beyond its capacity to perform its duty.

Ah, use what you will... I'm not saying the engine will fail if you use the cheap stuff... I do think, though, that a car running dino is more likely to begin to use oil as the miles build up. I know that with regular 3000 mile oil changes this is not likely to be a factor over the time frame most people keep their cars these days, but all other things being equal, the synthetic will win out over time. Another factor to keep in mind is that a turbo is far more demanding of lubricant - higher temps & more susceptible to oil breakdown... Personally, I run Mobil 1 at about 7500 mile change intervals (or six months) & have since it became available many years ago...

Another thing to keep in mind is that use of synthetics will result in less friction, cooler running, a bit more power & a tad better gas mileage. I don't mind spending more for a better product.

You make a good point on failure due to dirty oil... I had an uncle that believed oil changes were hype & he refused over the years to change oil after replacing breakin oil. He simply added oil when needed. When he got rid of his cars (at about 70 thousand miles or so), they were completely shelled out... With one, I recall that he had a 50 gal drum of used oil that he tapped when he needed to top off... Interestingly enough, none experienced catastrophic failure... Neither did any of them run worth a damn...[:I]

[Sas]

"....Personally, I run Mobil 1 at about 7500 mile change intervals (or six months) & have since it became available many years ago..."

Now this makes sense and cents! I guess I'm just an old dinosaur because personally, I still prefer the dino oils and the more frequent changes. But, as you stated, to each his own. Thanks for your reply, wait4me!

[Mean Green]

Yes, regular oil changes will make a car last longer but synthetic oil will make the turbo last longer than with dino oil. You are not dealing with just a n/a car anymore.

[coolvanillagt]

well, I'm going with Mobil 1 from the get go. Interesting comment re;breakin oil. While in the car rental business, had a guy who refused to take a new Tempo(1986), was afraid of the 12 miles on the car and "breakin oil". After realizing it was the only car he could get, left with it and returned 2 days later with the car and a receipt for a oil change at 20 miles. Not that he wanted a refund, just couldn't drive it with "breakin oil".......

[Sas]

"...You are not dealing with just a n/a car anymore...."

Sorry for showing my ignorance since I've never had a turbo. N/A; does that mean "naturally aspirated"? I had a 1964 Studebaker Avanti R4 289 c.i. V/8 with a Paxton Supercharger and ran that rascal for 80,000 + miles on Quaker State 10w-30. What am I missing here?

[SteelBlueGT]

About 40 years of engineering progress[:I]

[coolvanillagt]

Sas, I'd trade my new 05 GT for that Avanti, paxton and all. Hey, I thought N/A meant not applicable at first. Shoot, I am 'N/A" after eating good mexican food. []