I'm an engineer that likes to wrench on cars that races; I overanalyze everything, usually resulting in absolute paralysis. Still, oil hurts my brain. I've read through a bunch of posts here, and have yet to find clarity on my specific situation.
Facts
I have a MY19 Audi Q7 3.0L (s/c) that calls for VW504 that I bought CPO w/ 10k miles. When I got the car I assumed it had VW 504 0w30 (but can't be certain). The first OC was done by the dealer, presumably with the same VW 504 0w-30. My first OC (car's 2nd OC) was with the same VW 504 0w-30 as the MY19+ calls for the 504 spec (the previous MYs seemed to call for 502). I _think_ I know that 504 isn't necessarily superior to 502, and I _think_ I know that 504 was mainly in response to lower sulfur content in fuel (car is in SoCal 95% of the time, AZ the other 5%).
I've been an Amsoil guy for years (for no reason other than it's served me well and the devil I know). I emailed Amsoil back in 2021 to ask about a 504 oil, they replied that the car needs 502 and that I should go with the 5w40 MS (AFL) oil. So I promptly ordered a couple cases and have been using it with OE filters for my changes - not realizing that the switch to VW 504 was MY19+ (and I assume the Amsoil person didn't know that either).
I send in samples to Blackstone every change, and their suggestion has been to maintain a 12k miles OCI - which is what I have done. This motor is thirsty though; it's taken 0.5L between the 3rd & 4th, then 0.5L between the 4th & 5th changes. Then I _think_ 2.3L between the 5th & 6th when the dealer switched it back to VAG VW 0w-30 (due to a PCV valve failure and replacement). I've since switched back to Amsoil AFL.
Questions
1. Should I maintain the Amsoil 5w40 AFL (VW 502) or switch to their (newer?) 0w30 EOT (VW 504) that Amsoil recommends now?
2. If the answer above is to switch to the EOT, should I bail on the remaining AFL I have? Said another way, am I doing a disservice to my motor by staying with the thicker 5w40 over the suggested 0w30?
3. Should I be concerned with the increasing oil consumption? The guys at the dealer tell me it's a thirsty motor and that 2L between changes is not unusual. But would consumption increase with the switch to the thicker Amsoil (from 0w30 to 5w40)? Again, my brain hurts.
4. Should I consider a different OCI? I've treated my Blackstone suggestion as gospel, but with a Mityvac changes on this motor are trivial.
If there's some RTFM that I should be doing, please advise! I swear I've beaten down every door I can find before posting!
Most current Blackstone report (missing my last OC because lazy). Please don't mind the comment about walnut and carmel: I include tasting notes in all the samples I send in to Blackstone.
Facts
I have a MY19 Audi Q7 3.0L (s/c) that calls for VW504 that I bought CPO w/ 10k miles. When I got the car I assumed it had VW 504 0w30 (but can't be certain). The first OC was done by the dealer, presumably with the same VW 504 0w-30. My first OC (car's 2nd OC) was with the same VW 504 0w-30 as the MY19+ calls for the 504 spec (the previous MYs seemed to call for 502). I _think_ I know that 504 isn't necessarily superior to 502, and I _think_ I know that 504 was mainly in response to lower sulfur content in fuel (car is in SoCal 95% of the time, AZ the other 5%).
I've been an Amsoil guy for years (for no reason other than it's served me well and the devil I know). I emailed Amsoil back in 2021 to ask about a 504 oil, they replied that the car needs 502 and that I should go with the 5w40 MS (AFL) oil. So I promptly ordered a couple cases and have been using it with OE filters for my changes - not realizing that the switch to VW 504 was MY19+ (and I assume the Amsoil person didn't know that either).
I send in samples to Blackstone every change, and their suggestion has been to maintain a 12k miles OCI - which is what I have done. This motor is thirsty though; it's taken 0.5L between the 3rd & 4th, then 0.5L between the 4th & 5th changes. Then I _think_ 2.3L between the 5th & 6th when the dealer switched it back to VAG VW 0w-30 (due to a PCV valve failure and replacement). I've since switched back to Amsoil AFL.
Questions
1. Should I maintain the Amsoil 5w40 AFL (VW 502) or switch to their (newer?) 0w30 EOT (VW 504) that Amsoil recommends now?
2. If the answer above is to switch to the EOT, should I bail on the remaining AFL I have? Said another way, am I doing a disservice to my motor by staying with the thicker 5w40 over the suggested 0w30?
3. Should I be concerned with the increasing oil consumption? The guys at the dealer tell me it's a thirsty motor and that 2L between changes is not unusual. But would consumption increase with the switch to the thicker Amsoil (from 0w30 to 5w40)? Again, my brain hurts.
4. Should I consider a different OCI? I've treated my Blackstone suggestion as gospel, but with a Mityvac changes on this motor are trivial.
If there's some RTFM that I should be doing, please advise! I swear I've beaten down every door I can find before posting!
Most current Blackstone report (missing my last OC because lazy). Please don't mind the comment about walnut and carmel: I include tasting notes in all the samples I send in to Blackstone.
