GC 0W-30 in 3800 / Annual 9000 mi Changes

[Gene K]

I have 6 QT of German Castrol 0W30 I have decided not to use in the Focus. In a 1995 Buick LeSabre 3800 Series II V6 can I go from 10W-30 Havoline / 6 mo (4500 mi) changes to GC 0W-30 / 12 mo (9000 mi) changes? I am plan on sampling the Havoline at the change to verify engine condition and then pulling a 6 month sample on the GC to check how its holding up. These engines have a reputation for being very easy on oil. Gene

 

[Audi Junkie]

Geez, it should be clean after the Havoline. I have gone 9000 on GC repeatedly. The Audi oem filter I use with it says "2 years/30,000km" on it. If you have a good filter, go for it. Skip the UOA, imo.

 

[John in the ATL]

If you are going to go for the 1 year interval, I would strongly suggest using lube control and fuel power. The GC is a thick 30 like the Amsoil xw-30. I have run Amsoil for one year in 2002, 9 months in 2003. The one year OCI had thickened to a 10w-40 from all the insolubles and wear metals. The 9 month report was much better with much lower insolubles and lower wear metals.

 

[427Z06]

quote:

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Originally posted by John in the ATL: ...thickened to a 10w-40 from all the insolubles and wear metals.

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Insolubles and wear metals thicken up oil?

 

[427Z06]

quote:

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Originally posted by Gene K: I am plan on sampling the Havoline at the change to verify engine condition and then pulling a 6 month sample on the GC to check how its holding up. Gene

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Sounds like a good plan to me. If you don't want to sample it, do a filter change halfway through the interval. The new filter with the top off oil should allow you to go 9K miles.