Engine noise?
- Thread starter marine65
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I don't believe it does if all things are equal but they rarely are. Some 0w30 oils are almost a light xW40 and some 0w30 are almost a heavy xW20w, both have 0w30 on the bottle and the heavier of the two will most likely be the quieter one when used in an engine with some wear and tear on it.
They sell at least one specifically "quiet engine" oil (on the bottle in English) here. Can't remember for sure who did it but I THINK CPC.
I also think (but can't remember for sure about that either) that it was a 5w50, which would figure.
I also think (but can't remember for sure about that either) that it was a 5w50, which would figure.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
There will always be subjectivity in these related threads and I knew a thread would ask it this way one day. I purchased a Db meter and plan to play with this a bit - still not sure if it will drive any decisions since I have no interest in putting 15w40 Delvac in my ecoboost ...but will in my 5.3L ...SO - if it is more quiet will that mean the M1 or PP was not doing well ?
Originally Posted By: 4WD
There will always be subjectivity in these related threads and I knew a thread would ask it this way one day. I purchased a Db meter and plan to play with this a bit - still not sure if it will drive any decisions since I have no interest in putting 15w40 Delvac in my ecoboost ...but will in my 5.3L ...SO - if it is more quiet will that mean the M1 or PP was not doing well ?
I believe quieter is better w/o stepping up a grade. So if brand x's 5W30 is quieter than brand y's 5w30 then that's the better choice, all other things remaining equal. So if you have a Db meter and can find an oil that is quieter w/o bumping a grade that's the oil I'd run, and send off for a used oil analysis. Now quieter and lower wear numbers and you have a home run.
There will always be subjectivity in these related threads and I knew a thread would ask it this way one day. I purchased a Db meter and plan to play with this a bit - still not sure if it will drive any decisions since I have no interest in putting 15w40 Delvac in my ecoboost ...but will in my 5.3L ...SO - if it is more quiet will that mean the M1 or PP was not doing well ?
I believe quieter is better w/o stepping up a grade. So if brand x's 5W30 is quieter than brand y's 5w30 then that's the better choice, all other things remaining equal. So if you have a Db meter and can find an oil that is quieter w/o bumping a grade that's the oil I'd run, and send off for a used oil analysis. Now quieter and lower wear numbers and you have a home run.
Triple_Se7en
$50 Site Donor 2024
Originally Posted By: marine65
I read a lot on here about this oil makes the valves chatter or other noises and this oil makes the engine quieter.
Given the same weight why would one brand be different from another in this regard?
ummm.... add-pack and base oil differences.
Perhaps start another thread or three, of the (3) most popular oil weights....
What is the quietest 5w30
What is the quietest 5W-20
What is the quietest 0W-20
I read a lot on here about this oil makes the valves chatter or other noises and this oil makes the engine quieter.
Given the same weight why would one brand be different from another in this regard?
ummm.... add-pack and base oil differences.
Perhaps start another thread or three, of the (3) most popular oil weights....
What is the quietest 5w30
What is the quietest 5W-20
What is the quietest 0W-20
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No scientific data here, just plain ole American observation. My 5.3L runs great all year long on 5W30 Mobil 1 and runs quiet and smooth. Once temperatures drop below 45 degrees the valve train gets loud and the motor knocks at startup. It's the oddest thing. I now complete an oil change every December and switch to Mobil 1 0W30 during the winter and the 5.3L loves its. Motor runs smooth and quiet again during the colder months. I take it this as, quieter is better.
Im very sensitive to minute changes in my car. I've picked up a failing wheel bearing thousands of miles before anyone could hear anything. I was complaining at the dealer about a mild change in vibratio. At idle 3000 miles before the check engine light came on for the VCT actuator. I notice everything. Every squeak and noise. Thank my OCD.
Some oils are definitely quieter than others. I can definitely pick up more valvetrain noise with M1 than Castrol for instance. I don't think it's remotely related to how well the oil is lubricating things. Sounds travels differently through different mediums. Differences in composition and viscosity will change what things sound like.
Some oils are definitely quieter than others. I can definitely pick up more valvetrain noise with M1 than Castrol for instance. I don't think it's remotely related to how well the oil is lubricating things. Sounds travels differently through different mediums. Differences in composition and viscosity will change what things sound like.
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Originally Posted By: Brolly
I notice Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20 is quieter than Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w20 on my Acura. Wouldn't think there are too many differences in the 2.
I agree with you on the Pennzoil Platinum being quiet. Less noise than M1. I haven't tried out PU yet, I'll need to use up that stash of Pennzoil Platinum first.
My BIL was sitting in the back of my Caravan last weekend and when the van was idling, he thought it had a Japanese engine in it because it was so quiet. I said no, it's the oil I'm using.
I notice Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20 is quieter than Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w20 on my Acura. Wouldn't think there are too many differences in the 2.
I agree with you on the Pennzoil Platinum being quiet. Less noise than M1. I haven't tried out PU yet, I'll need to use up that stash of Pennzoil Platinum first.
My BIL was sitting in the back of my Caravan last weekend and when the van was idling, he thought it had a Japanese engine in it because it was so quiet. I said no, it's the oil I'm using.
Originally Posted By: Brolly
I notice Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20 is quieter than Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w20 on my Acura. Wouldn't think there are too many differences in the 2.
That's interesting because some have said just the opposite.
I notice Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20 is quieter than Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w20 on my Acura. Wouldn't think there are too many differences in the 2.
That's interesting because some have said just the opposite.
On my vehicles Quaker State Ultimate Durability seems to be the most quiet. However i find that it does not clean as well as the Mobil 1 does..I also like the Mobil 1 because it has an important inner seal to prevent leakage in or out of the container. This is one big reason we changed to Mobil and are not looking back.
Originally Posted By: MarcS
Im very sensitive to minute changes in my car. I've picked up a failing wheel bearing thousands of miles before anyone could hear anything. I was complaining at the dealer about a mild change in vibratio. At idle 3000 miles before the check engine light came on for the VCT actuator. I notice everything. Every squeak and noise. Thank my OCD.
Some oils are definitely quieter than others. I can definitely pick up more valvetrain noise with M1 than Castrol for instance. I don't think it's remotely related to how well the oil is lubricating things. Sounds travels differently through different mediums. Differences in composition and viscosity will change what things sound like.
Maybe ... Noise is an indication of impact between parts. Is that impact at a critical level? We don't know. But since I don't like impact if it can be avoided, I'll err on the side of quiet please
Im very sensitive to minute changes in my car. I've picked up a failing wheel bearing thousands of miles before anyone could hear anything. I was complaining at the dealer about a mild change in vibratio. At idle 3000 miles before the check engine light came on for the VCT actuator. I notice everything. Every squeak and noise. Thank my OCD.
Some oils are definitely quieter than others. I can definitely pick up more valvetrain noise with M1 than Castrol for instance. I don't think it's remotely related to how well the oil is lubricating things. Sounds travels differently through different mediums. Differences in composition and viscosity will change what things sound like.
Maybe ... Noise is an indication of impact between parts. Is that impact at a critical level? We don't know. But since I don't like impact if it can be avoided, I'll err on the side of quiet please
Originally Posted By: JC1
Originally Posted By: Brolly
I notice Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20 is quieter than Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w20 on my Acura. Wouldn't think there are too many differences in the 2.
I agree with you on the Pennzoil Platinum being quiet. Less noise than M1. I haven't tried out PU yet, I'll need to use up that stash of Pennzoil Platinum first.
My BIL was sitting in the back of my Caravan last weekend and when the van was idling, he thought it had a Japanese engine in it because it was so quiet. I said no, it's the oil I'm using.
My mom has a brand new Corolla that sounds like a box of rocks in a blender to me. Dealer 0w-20 in that one.
Originally Posted By: Brolly
I notice Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20 is quieter than Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w20 on my Acura. Wouldn't think there are too many differences in the 2.
I agree with you on the Pennzoil Platinum being quiet. Less noise than M1. I haven't tried out PU yet, I'll need to use up that stash of Pennzoil Platinum first.
My BIL was sitting in the back of my Caravan last weekend and when the van was idling, he thought it had a Japanese engine in it because it was so quiet. I said no, it's the oil I'm using.
My mom has a brand new Corolla that sounds like a box of rocks in a blender to me. Dealer 0w-20 in that one.
Most of the newer engines are getting more noisy all the time. Too much going on inside todays engines these days.
Engine noise is the first thing I'd check when shopping for a new car. Engines requiring 0W-20 would be highly suspect.
Originally Posted By: turnbowm
Originally Posted By: Brolly
I notice Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20 is quieter than Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w20 on my Acura. Wouldn't think there are too many differences in the 2.
That's interesting because some have said just the opposite.
You would think the PUP would be quieter but the Acura seems to like the Pennzoil Platinum better. Now if I move to 0w-20 on either PUP or Pennzoil Platinum it has more noise than the 5w-20.
Originally Posted By: Brolly
I notice Pennzoil Platinum 5w-20 is quieter than Pennzoil Ultra Platium 5w20 on my Acura. Wouldn't think there are too many differences in the 2.
That's interesting because some have said just the opposite.
You would think the PUP would be quieter but the Acura seems to like the Pennzoil Platinum better. Now if I move to 0w-20 on either PUP or Pennzoil Platinum it has more noise than the 5w-20.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
I agree with that - was half thrilled when the PUP arrived from Amazon - but I think it is louder than both PP & M1 ...
I'll try to measure next change ...
I'll try to measure next change ...
Problem today is all the high tech engines that produce lots of H.P. make lots of noise between the vvt, injectors, Dual overhead cams and all the other things that are going on to give us the performance we want. No engine is as quiet as the older engines used to be these days.
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