GM 5.3L v8, cant use dino?

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

s2krunner

Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Messages
308
Location
TX
Hello,

My truck has around 5k milies on. Ive been look around but didnt get clear answer.

GM says use dexos, but can i use dino oil instead of syn blend or syn? Im like to change oil at 3k instead over 5k milies.
I still got free oil change at dealer for every 6k.

I like to keep this truck long as i can. Here is my choice oil...

For syn: castrol or valvoline
Dino: castrol gtx
Filter: oem or wix

Anyone running dino oil for this motor?

Thank you
 
For best results use the oil GM requires, you have choices. It will save hassles too in the event you have an oil related issue while under warranty.
 
You have to use Dexos.

Personally if I was the owner, I'd just walk away from the "free" oil changes as they are probably sneaking Dino Castrol GTX in there anyway to save themselves money.

I would use Wix filter and run Dexos Approved Quaker State Ultimate Durability in that engine.

I can't stand having to wait at a dealer while some kid buggers around with my vehicle. DIY and keep all the bills and records is what I'd do.

I have never had anyone change the oil on my Honda Fit since I bought the thing 3 years ago. So I am sure great oil and great filters are always used.
 
Thanks for quick reply.

Then i guess i gotta figure out between valvoline or castrol
smile.gif


Falken- i understand about free oil change. When we bought 2011 camry, they gave us 2 yr free maint. During that times, my local dealers put dino 5w30 and after that they telling me it "must" use 0w20 toyo syn that cost 90 bucks. I told them no thanks.
 
I have been a tech at the same large dealership for 25 years and I have NEVER seen a warranty denied for the type, weight, or brand oil been used nor have I ever seen an engine fail due to the brand or type of oil used. Not changing it is another matter. Have seen warranty cancelled on diesels for using oiled gauze air filters though.
 
Originally Posted By: s2krunner
Thanks for quick reply.

Then i guess i gotta figure out between valvoline or castrol
smile.gif


Falken- i understand about free oil change. When we bought 2011 camry, they gave us 2 yr free maint. During that times, my local dealers put dino 5w30 and after that they telling me it "must" use 0w20 toyo syn that cost 90 bucks. I told them no thanks.



I still don't think either of those are officially dexos1 approved. Look for the Dexos1 emblem (M1, PP, QSUD, Pennzoil Synblend, to name a few) Just be sure to keep your receipts in a folder somewhere. make copies because the originals fade. I hear that is a powerful engine...enjoy!!
 
Castrol is, but valvoline didnt buy license but they says some of products are in dexos spec.

5.3 is pretty fun! Expect AFM and stupid drum brakes. Haha


Originally Posted By: chubbs1
Originally Posted By: s2krunner
Thanks for quick reply.

Then i guess i gotta figure out between valvoline or castrol
smile.gif


Falken- i understand about free oil change. When we bought 2011 camry, they gave us 2 yr free maint. During that times, my local dealers put dino 5w30 and after that they telling me it "must" use 0w20 toyo syn that cost 90 bucks. I told them no thanks.



I still don't think either of those are officially dexos1 approved. Look for the Dexos1 emblem (M1, PP, QSUD, Pennzoil Synblend, to name a few) Just be sure to keep your receipts in a folder somewhere. make copies because the originals fade. I hear that is a powerful engine...enjoy!!
 
Quote:
dino oil instead of syn blend or syn? Im like to change oil at 3k instead over 5k milies.
Why? You aren't doing your engine any favors. dexos1 is a tougher spec than any conventional oil. And, don't be afraid of running the oil for its full life, not just for 3k.
http://www.graffbgc.com/Dexos1.pdf
 
Dexos is a good spec, and oils carrying that spec are good oils. I dont get why you wouldnt use the right stuff instead of some compromise. There is beyond proof that using the OLMs and changing by them with good spec oil will yield a good long life. Not sure what benefit you think youll get by going the route you are going.

Use the right stuff, at the right interval, and expect a solid and long life. The $5 youll be saving will just manifest itself as more oil changes and more time spent, and cost more in the long run.
 
There are literally millions of 5.3s running on dino oil, it won't hurt a thing. GM doesn't actually REQUIRE dexos licensed oil, they RECOMMEND it. It should say in your owners manual that any API certified 5W-30 can be used, but "may result in decreased performance". However, there are many dexos licensed oils readily available at a reasonable price, so there's really no reason not to use them.

That being said, if you get "free" oil changes from your dealer I would just go that route. Remember, those oil changes aren't really free, you paid for them in the purchase price of the truck. Just don't let them talk you into buying any other nonsense that you don't need.
 
I'm using Pennzoil Platinum in my Silverado (with the 5.3) right now, but am seriously considering going to the new Dexos approved Pennzoil 5w-30 Synthetic Blend.

It would make things a little easier, as I'm already using the Pennzoil 5w-30 Synthetic Blend in the Town and Country.
 
So dexos at 6K mile intervals or conventional at 3K intervals? Do the math and realize you pay more changing twice as often and don't gain anything in the process. Just follow the manual and use the recommended oil.
 
Originally Posted By: Falken

I can't stand having to wait at a dealer while some kid buggers around with my vehicle.

+1000 Toyota offers "Toyota Care" which is 5 free oil changes. One every 5000. Next car will be CPO. Keep the stupid dino oil changes. I can change the oil and rotate the tires in 30 minutes...go to the dealer = 60-90 minutes while you sit in the "fish-tank" waiting area with some smelly fat lady and her 4 kids who just took a bath in pancake syrup earlier that morning at IHop. Plus they always have Oprah on the TV.....
mad.gif
 
FYI.....Valvoline DuraBlend in 5w-30 is Dexos approved. It's
a synthetic blend.

Who really knows what the proportion of Synthetic to Conventional is in this oil???

Valvoline does.....
 
Last edited:
GM and the 5.3 have an oil life monitor. I suggest following it. We have a member here with a fleet if Chevy 5.3 engines,oil changed according to the oil life monitor and his vehicles run 8-10 hours a day.
All are significantly high mileage and he sings the praises of the LS engines.
My own 99 chev silverado with the 5.3 has over 260000 and still starts first turn with no consumption whatsoever.
Obviously you haven't read any of the pages written by dnewton on the sites homepage. I suggest you do. You will then understand the utter absurdity of a 3000 mile drain interval and its effects on the tribochemical layer they lubricant applies to the engines wear points.
 
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
So dexos at 6K mile intervals or conventional at 3K intervals? Do the math and realize you pay more changing twice as often and don't gain anything in the process. Just follow the manual and use the recommended oil.


Reason i asked isnt about cost.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

G
5w30 in a 1.0 fox motor?
Replies
8
Views
356
Gene K
BrokenAudiTT
  • Locked
GM L87 Engine recall 0w20 to 0w40
Replies
8
Views
4K
BrokenAudiTT
N
5w-40 / 0w-40 Success!
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
Panda87
M
OCI for low mileage driver (v8 5.7L Toy/Sequoia) and Coolant flush.
Replies
10
Views
855
tired
Nuclear_42
L84 5.3 DFM GM Oil Choices
2
Replies
28
Views
5K
z71offroader83
Back
Top Bottom