Conventional for 3K or Syn for 6K?

[otis24]

I have a 1994 GMC Sonoma 4WD with 4.3L motor. Most trips are three miles (4 times/day). It currenly has 107K miles. I have a stockpile (28 qts) of old formula Havoline. I am debating with using up the Havoline at 3k OCI's or going with Penn Platinum and 6K OCI's. My main concern is fuel dilution based on the short trips. I live in South Dakota so the temps are generally "Darn Hot" of "Darn Cold"! Your recommendations please?

 

[PT1]

I would use up the Havoline and go 5000 miles. Then go to PP or more Havoline and go the same. The reason I say this is because I have the same style driving with my 06 GMC 6.0L and my OLM gets to 10% at 5000. So either oil should go that far. There are lots of guys who will tell you to go 6-8000 on PP but I trust the OLM over their advice. Your driving is definitely severe service like mine.

 

[FZ1]

Just use up the old stuff at 6 month ocis.

 

[coffee]

Conv. 5k and Syn 7-10k on the average but you have to look at your usage.

 

[MGregoir]

Change it every six months regardless of mileage until it is used up.

 

[Cory]

+1 for using up what you have and go 5K OCIs

 

[Bryanccfshr]

I concur with 5k OCI's regardless of time.

 

[ThirdeYe]

I personally wouldn't go to 5k with all short trips like that but maybe that's just me... I'd say 3k/6 months in that application. Don't flame me, extended OCI gods!

 

[pickled]

Stick to shorter OCI's <5 with that motor. They had a central fuel injection pod that was notorious for turning into Niagra falls (Canadian side Eh!?). Most of the time you would have drivabillity issues creep up before it took a dump, but a minority of folks didn't. I'd just be vigilant at checking the dipstick to make sure it isn't gaining. Good Luck and may you hit 200k!

 

[Merkava_4]

What's more important to you: saving the oil, or saving the engine?

 

[otis24]

The most important thing is saving the engine. I have no doubts that the motor is capable of going 200K. The question is, with my driving habits (short trips, hot summer temps, bitter cold winter temps), what oil/oci combo will get me there?

 

[Junior]

Originally Posted By: otis24
The most important thing is saving the engine. I have no doubts that the motor is capable of going 200K. The question is, with my driving habits (short trips, hot summer temps, bitter cold winter temps), what oil/oci combo will get me there?


I have a 98 F150 with 158,000 miles that I don't drive much any more. About 3,000 miles per year. I just change it in April and October with conventional oil. I used syn back when I drove it 20k+ per year.