approaching decision time on GC.

[97tbird]

Hi all,

I'm approaching 3k miles, where I want to do a UOA on the GC that I currently have in my 97 T-bird 4.6L.
So far, in 2100 miles, 1/4 qt. of GC has been used (in spite of the Arx for cars under 100k miles...had 0 consumption with Chevron dino 10/30 with Arx).
I've heard of cars "using" syn.oil immediately after changing over from dino, but that the consumption goes down froem there onwards...
So I wonder...should I use GC again or not?
While the low temp(25-35F) starts have been a little noisier/rougher than with 10/30 dino(I don't know why), operation in warmer temps have been smooth.

This oil is the 1st "normal" batch of oil I have in the car after the Arx treatment; changed to this GC immediately after the ARx rinse with Chevron 10/30 dino: so I don't know if this UOA will really reveal how well this oil does in this engine. But then again, I do want to do the UOA asap, 'cause I'm concerned about my coolant level going down slowly in the cool.reservoir tank..
So I'm battling with the following (?)s:

1) should I use GC again, and hope the consumption goes down with the 2nd run? or should I change to something else?(wish there was a way to know the UOA results BEFORE deciding on the next oil!)

2) should I be more concerned about the uoa values(=do uoa later with 2nd run of GC) or:
about the verification of coolant in oil(=do uoa now!)?

3) this GC being the 1st oil after the ARx: how badly can this fact effect the real values of the UOA?

the car has 93 k miles, btw.

What would you guys do in my place?

Thanks in advance.

[ April 10, 2004, 09:09 PM: Message edited by: 97tbird ]

 

[SSDude]

Yes!! Keep using it for two more changes and do a UOA. I have never seen a bad UOA with this oil. Have you look at GC in the UOA section?

 

[97tbird]

tahnks, SS dude/bump.

 

[Chris B.]

I'd try it again. I'm going to give it a shot for the 1st time as well.

 

[Patman]

In both of the cars I've had UOAs on GC so far, the second interval with the oil showed considerably better wear numbers than the first, so definitely run 2 or 3 intervals with this oil before switching to something else, otherwise you won't see it's full potential.

 

[pscholte]

quote:

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Originally posted by Patman:
In both of the cars I've had UOAs on GC so far, the second interval with the oil showed considerably better wear numbers than the first, so definitely run 2 or 3 intervals with this oil before switching to something else, otherwise you won't see it's full potential.

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...and what a full potential it has got!

 

[Audi Junkie]

quote:

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In both of the cars I've had UOAs on GC so far, the second interval with the oil showed considerably better wear numbers than the first

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Patman, not to change the subject, but I am taking your advice to keep the GC in my car all-year-'round. I am ending my 2nd 6 month/9k oci. No reason to switch around, especially to a 40 weight oil that will shear below what GC 0w-30 will be at the same point. No need to conserve GC either, it will be available widely and I have enough for 3 years hoarded. 7 cases = 2 times a year for 3 years of 6.5 quarts fill plus .5q top-off. Additional topping is accomplished with any random oil as a change should be nearly due. Can I join the looney bin now?