GC to dino and back?

[RedorGreen]

I've been running GC in my '06 Subaru WRX since its first oil-change. It seemed to be a perfect choice when I moved from the desert to the frozen north. Last week I had to take it in for a 30,000 mile service and, partly because I couldn't find any GC in a hurry and partly because Subaru seem to be getting a bit picky about oil-changes on their turbo cars, I let the dealer just put in their normal 5W-30 fill (they told me it was Valvoline dino).
My question is: was this a mistake, and how soon should I get GC back in? Or not? It's not getting much use at the moment because, with 93 octane at $4.50, the wife's Prius is very attractive...

 

[Steve S]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

 

[designer_7]

aaaayayaeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RedorGreen]

Very helpful answers, thanks.

My last WRX ran a main bearing at 92,000 miles after a lifetime on M1 0W-40. On this one I got a 100,000 mile warranty and changed to GC. I usually change the oil myself at 5,000 miles and when I take it to the dealer I bring the oil with me but I didn't this time, and I've heard too many "Subaru denied my warranty claim" stories. So my question is: can I go back to GC and continue with my hope of getting 100k out of this beast or should I just set fire to it now?

 

[drivewaytech]

A conservative run on dino should yield no problems for you. I wouldn't dump the oil in fear of engine failure. The dealership would not have put the oil in there if it was sure to cause engine damage. Depending on your driving habits, you should be good for 3 to 4K on that oil. If you can find GC then use it. If not, consider Pennzoil Plat. or Amsoil. Just be sure to stick to the manufacture’s weight specifications.

 

[RedorGreen]

Many thanks for that. It's just getting a gentle work-out going to work and back right now. As soon as I can lay my hands on some GC I'll put it back in and forget the whole episode.

 

[LexusAussie]

If potential Warranty claims are a cause for concern, make sure that whatever oil you use meets Sub specs for the vehicle.

 

[ChiTDI]

Originally Posted By: RedorGreen
Many thanks for that. It's just getting a gentle work-out going to work and back right now. As soon as I can lay my hands on some GC I'll put it back in and forget the whole episode.


I switched twice like you did, uneventfully. I have run two Auto-Rx rinses using Pennz YB and then back to GC for another 50k miles. No change or worries.