Going from conventional to synthetic

[Spdfrk1990]

I have a 97 lumina with a 3.1 i have been running 10w30 valvoline high mileage this summer I noticed a little extra engine noise. Now that it is getting colder I notice alot more lifter tick till it warms up. I thought about switching to 0w30 GC or do you think I should just stick with the valvoline and run a 5w30??

 

[pbm]

I will run 10w30 in my 3.1 in the summer but I always go to 5w30 by November for the winter months. I bet the faster cold flow properties of the 5w30 quiets the ticking. Valvoline HM 5w30 should be fine. GC is probably thicker at the temps you will encounter in Cincy.

 

[Spdfrk1990]

Ok thanks.

 

[Spdfrk1990]

I switched to the 5w30 ML and it seems to be running much smoother now. I wanted to try the fully synthetic ML but autozone did not have it.

 

[SAM1]

The 3.1L is a great engine. ONce the lower intake gasket is resolved if you ever have an issue, these 3.1's should easily go 300k + miles if you maintain it.

 

[Spdfrk1990]

Yeh I havnt had an issue with the intake gasket at least yet and this motor has over 100k.

 

[SAM1]

I had to replace mine at 50k, and this was before they came out with the new and improved gasket that virtually eliminates the problem from happening again. If I have to replace the gasket again, I will. My 3.1 has 138k on it, and the engine sounds and runs as smooth as it did back at 50k when I purchaseed it. I just replaced all the exhaust that mounts to the engine as well due to some leaks.