1999 Chrysler LHS Oil Recommendation?

[Keto]

Hi All,

I recently acquired a low-mileage 1999 Chrysler LHS, with the all-aluminum 3.5L V6. I've been reading what I can find on the 'net, but it seems there are some distinct difference (besides the obvious material used) between the aluminum block and the earlier iron block versions of this engine. The problem seems to be that the info is intermingled a bit, and what applies to which version of the engine seems to be confused at times.

Looks like factory default was 5w30, but I'm not sure at what mileage interval. I'm also wondering if 5w20 might be a good option for this engine, as I have a boatload of it in my stash, lol. Still tracking down an owners manual for it.

Thanks for any info, advice, suggestions, etc

K

 

[zrxkawboy]

AFAIK, the default recommendation for all 3.5s is 10W30, with 5W30 allowed at lower temps. I sure wouldn't use 5W20.

 

[crazyoildude]

use a good 5w30 and make sure that engine never ever overheats and it will run a long long time.

 

[WiskyBadger]

5w30 Maxlife 5k interval

 

[strongt]

Yep, factory oil spec for the 3.5 is 10w30.

 

[Gasbuggy]

What 5w20's do you have? Most 10w30's are thinner than their 5w30 counterparts at operating temp. Chrysler kept the 10w30 recommendation on the fill cap up until they discontinued the engine after 2010. I would hesitate to run 5w20 without a used oil analysis, might not be worth the cost to you. Maybe you can make your own brew 4 quarts 5w20, 1 quart something heavy you have around, top offs with something heavy

 

[ledslinger]

I'd run Mobil 1 FS 0W40 in it. I have a 2000 Concorde with 125K miles with a 2.7, I've run LL01 5W40 in since I first saw a hot idle oil light.

Chrysler perceived some oil demands on the 3.5 since they specced 10W30 over the 2.7 which specced 5W30 it appears. I personally would run the new Mobil 1 0W40 in about any 5W30 application. I wouldn't try 5W20 in it, except if I lived in Minnesota in the winter.

 

[KCJeep]

We have the 2004 version in our Concorde and as stated it still specs 10w30 as primary, 5w30 acceptable in cold climates. I use Castrol High Mileage 10w30 in ours with the same except in 5w30 over the winter. Pennzoil High Mileage would be a good pick as well. Both are still "thick for grade" High Mileage oils, so even when benefiting from the cold cranking abilities of 5w30, it is as thick or thicker than most standard 10w30's. Win - win.

 

[Keto]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Its only got 36K miles on it, and driven slowly most of the time.

I'll pick up some synthetic 5w30, Valv/PP/Quaker State Ultimate Durability/M1 (which ever is on-sale), a Wix filter, and call it a day.

 

[Keto]

Picked up a few jugs of Valvoline Synpower 5w30 today (had a coupon), and couple of Wix Platinums (had a coupon), lol.

Any reason I cant start with a 5000 mile OCI with that oil on this engine?


K

 

[Nick1994]

5,000 miles is a good start.

 

[Shipo]

If I recall correctly, the factory OCI recommendation was 7,500 miles; if you're running any of the better synthetic oils, 10,000 mile OCIs are still quite conservative.