First oil change - good intentions or bad mistake

[neilbedwell]

OK, so I changed oil in my new 2011 GMC Sierra (4.3L V6) for the first time the other day. It had 729 miles on it at that exact moment. Since it was a first oil change and I plan on changing to Mobil 1 synthetic at 3000 miles, I just bought some Quaker State 5W30 that was on sale at the parts house (and an ACDelco filter). I figured that since it wouldn't be in there very long that I'd just grab something a bit more economical. WELL, I just remembered the new DEXOS requirement. The truck has a little over 800 miles on it now. While I don't think I have destroyed anything (the Quaker State oil says it's GM6094M compatible but NOT dexos compatible) am I going to do any damage running this stuff until 3000 miles? Do I need to drain it right away? I felt so good about changing it early and flushing out any metal shavings. Oh well, no good deed goes unpunished. Thanks folks!

Neil

 

[Billbert]

You will be just fine with the QS (IMNTBHO)

 

[Alex38]

You're fine. The 4.3 has run fine for decades on regular conventional oil. I doubt that will change.

 

[Malo83]

No problem, good idea to change early

 

[brandini]

Dexos1 requirements are to make sure the oil stands up to what the oil life monitor says.

I'd change it early and reset the oil life when you get some D1 compatible stuff in there.

 

[Xstang]

Should be fine!

Many years ago, GM decided to lop two cylinders off of the 350, and created the 4.3L v6. I think not having the latest rated oil will hurt it at all.

 

[WishIhadatruck]

It won't matter for a short oil change interval.

 

[lexus114]

I dont see how it could hurt anything, but if it were me,it being a new truck and all....I`d change it.

 

[RF Overlord]

neilbedwell, rest easy. The owner's manual also states that using non-Dexos oil is OK if Dexos is not available. Leave it in there until you make your switch to M1.

 

[2oldtommy]

Draining the FF at 729 miles is a waste of money IMO. But, to each his own. FWIW-Oldtommy

 

[hattaresguy]

Its a 4.3, it will run forever on just about any oil that's slick.

The Dexos spec is just for the OLM which probably runs the changes out longer, I'd follow it. GM's OLM is very good.

On my 4.3 it comes on somewhere in the 5k-7k mile range but I do mostly around town driving.

 

[chubbs1]

You are absolutely fine!! Sleep well and you made a good choice changing it early! Change the QS at 2k if you really want to flush again before you switch to a Dexos1 approved oil and then feel comfortable running the OLM. I think the new GM OLM's may be better calibrated than any other vehicle because they are specifically designed for a D1 oil.

Don't worry!

 

[hounddog]

Waste of time and money at 729 miles. Back in the dark ages,30 years ago I still would have too 1000 or so. If you had left FF till 5000 you'd see no issues in the time frame you'll ever own that truck.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I wouldn't worry about it. My E430 is strictly synthetic only and I used Chevron Delo 15W40 a couple summers ago for flushing with short OCI of 3-4k miles instead of normal 12-13k miles. Nothing bad happened to the engine with conventional diesel oil for such short OCI.

 

[hhu168]

Originally Posted By: 2oldtommy
Draining the FF at 729 miles is a waste of money IMO. But, to each his own. FWIW-Oldtommy


+ 1

 

[gathermewool]

How many metal shavings did you see when you drained the oil? I'm still on the fence with respect to early changes in the beginning of an engine's life (leaning toward them not being necessary.) However, my reasoning has more to do with microscopic wear particles than anything even visible.

 

[CaspianM]

Don't worry.
"If dexos1 is not available, acceptable substitute engine oil for 2011 models includes:

· SAE-5w30 viscosity grade oil displaying the API Starburst symbol for all 2011 model year vehicles with naturally-aspirated engines, except Corvette, Camaro SS (with LS3 engine) and CTS-V"

I have always done early changes with my new cars and have had excellent results with my engines long term.

 

[BetaBear]

Early in the engines life, follow the manufacturer's break in procedures. Then after that, you should be good to go on your preferred oil change interval.

 

[Gene K]

For 2300 miles? Not going to hurt a thing. Dexos 1 is just to insure you have an oil compatible with the OLM programming. Although personally I would have run the factory fill Dexos 1 Synthetic for 5000 miles before I swapped.

 

[kemo]

Originally Posted By: 2oldtommy
Draining the FF at 729 miles is a waste of money IMO. But, to each his own. FWIW-Oldtommy


You must not read many manuals... or had one that specifically says to change it at 500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, or 3000 to get rid of metal shavings from break-in.