GM Northstar Engines, experienced oil selection?

[RyanS]

These engine came in Cadillac Devilles (DTS), XLR, Sevilles (STS), El Dorados, Oldsmobile Auroras (derivative), Buick Lucerne, among others.

We've had three of them in the family, the 32v 4.0L in a first-generation Oldsmobile Aurora and 32v 3.0L in the second-generation Oldsmobil Aurora. And we recenetly aquired a Cadillac STS with the 32v 4.6L, which is why I thought it be good to ask around from those with experience.

Those who have owned Northstar's, what has been your best experience and/or favorite oil? We had been using Mobil 1 for a while, then eventually switched over to Mobil 1 EP.

I don't want the generic-feed of oil properties and differences, I've learned my fair share the last year or so doing some extensive research, including BITOG. I'm looking for experience on these engines who's oil blend has worked best for them.

 

[Blokey]

I've tried M1 (5W30) in the 3.5L "ShortStar" V6 in our Olds Intrigue and it seemed to consume quite a bit of that oil. I switched over to GC (0W30) and have been running it in the car for a while now and oil consumption has reduced drastically (virtually none). Our engine seems to like a "thicker" oil so that's what I give it.

YMMV

 

[RyanS]

GC?

 

[ekpolk]

GC = German Castrol. It's pretty much a "cult following" oil. Disclosure: I'm a member of the cult. GC has its following because it has produced outstanding UOA (used oil analysis) results in a wide variety of cars. Unfortunately, it appears that it may be going out of production, but there's still a good amount of it to be found. It is the Castrol Syntec 0w-30 grade offering. GC and the 5w-40 grade (which is made in Belgium) are the "oddball" offerings in the Syntec line. Much has been posted here about these oils. Browse around here for a while and you'll see. In the meantime, I'm sure some of our NS drivers will chime in.

and

 

[CBOYLE15]

Ok I have two Northstars 1999 and a 2001. They will be my last! I tried Mobil 1 but did not want to risk any more leaks after I had them sealed. As a matter of convience I use Castrol GTX 10W 30 in the 5.5 quart container, thus I just add 2 additional quarts. I change oil and filter AC Delco every 6 months just because I like to crawl under the car and check for leaks. The 1999 cals for 10W 30 and the 2001 calls for 5W 30. But oil consumption is better with 10W 30.
charlie