Havoline DS versus Castrol GTX in 5W-30.

[MGregoir]

I looked at a VOA for Havoline DS and it didn't seem to have anything particularly special about it, but I do know it seems to be the thinnest major brand 5w30 out there at 9.7 cSt. To put that in perspective, Castrol GTX 5W-20 is 9.1 and the 5w30 is 10.8.

I know the Havoline is fairly high in moly but the calcium number didn't seem to be anything special for a "deposit shield" type of oil. Under 1600 ppm of calcium when plain Valvoline is over 1800. What's the trick, if any, to it, or was it just a bad VOA?

On the other hand, Castrol GTX 5w30 is fairly thick and fairly robust for calcium number, something like 2360 ppm of calcium in it. I don't like the thick and the fairly poor (barely passes 6094M) cold pumpability but I like the high detergent factor.

I like the viscosity characteristics of the Havoline DS on paper but I wonder what the additive package is like.

 

[Badlees]

I have two cases of the Havoline DS 5w30. I hope is good oil, if not, I still have the receipt. I have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma with the 6 cylinder. I picked up some 10w30 SuperTech last weekend and will run that in the Summer months. Someone give us some info on the Havoline DS if you have it.

 

[MarkC]

I haven't used 5w30, but I have used both Castrol and Havoline in 10w30. Both seemed fine, but I only did UOA on the Havoline, and it turned out very good.
I talked with a Chevron/Havoline tech about the viscosity. He said the new formulation doesn't holds it's viscosity better than the old, thus no need to make it thicker.
Who knows?

 

[Audi Junkie]

Havoline seems to be on the thin oil bandwagon, and possibly ahead of the curve on how to do that and meet wear specs.

 

[gonesurfing]

Originally Posted By: Badlees
I have two cases of the Havoline DS 5w30. I hope is good oil, if not, I still have the receipt. I have a 2007 Toyota Tacoma with the 6 cylinder. I picked up some 10w30 SuperTech last weekend and will run that in the Summer months. Someone give us some info on the Havoline DS if you have it.


Your 1GR-FE Tacoma will get along just fine with Havoline DS. It may sheer the 5w30 down to the upper range of 5W-20, but don't be too concerned with this. Toyota printed a TSB a while ago, which approved almost all of the 2006 and later models as able to run GL-4 5W-20 for improved fuel economy and cold starts. I would not use the 10w30 in summer months, unless you have a specific reason to (and occasional moderate towing or 4WD is not a reason). I use the 5w30 year round in my 2TR-FE 4cyl Tacoma which sees a ridiculous amount of stop and go traffic as well as 4WD. I have not done a UOA with Havoline DS, but conventional Pennzoil sheered to a 5W-20 after 4500miles. TBN and wear levels were normal. There are a few guys on http://www.toyotanation.com that run Castrol 0w30 yearround with good results.

 

[Badlees]

I drive 100 miles per day and in the heat of the Summer I'm seeing hwy. temps of probably 130 in traffic on hot asphalt. If the 5w30 can handle it, fine with me.

 

[gonesurfing]

Originally Posted By: Badlees
I drive 100 miles per day and in the heat of the Summer I'm seeing hwy. temps of probably 130 in traffic on hot asphalt. If the 5w30 can handle it, fine with me.


Unless the cooling system is overwhelmed, you should not need to change the grade of oil from the manufacturer's specified viscosity. If your temp gage climbs noticeably when you're sitting in traffic, that may be grounds for a higher viscosity. This doesn't happen on many modern vehicles.