Help Decide

[92saturnsl2]

Well I'm about to jump off the Mobil 1 bandwagon and try something else, as I've heard M1 can promote increased engine noise. I've been using 0w-40 in the winters, and Mobil 1 Truck and SUV 5w40 for the summers since owning the vehicle. I bought it with 40k, it now has 72k.

I have the following available in my area that I'm considering:

5w-40, 5w-50, 0w30 Castrol Syntec
0w-40, 15w-50, Mobil 1 Truck and SUV 5w40 Mobil 1
5w-40 Valvoline Synthetic
5w-40 Shell Rotella T

The engine is a 2.8L 12v VR6 in a 2001 Jetta. From what I've heard the VR6 runs notoriously high engine oil temps, so I'd like to stay with a 40 weight or higher. My driving includes 70% city driving with stop and go traffic, but very few short trips. Temps for the most part stay in the 80's.

So far the 5w-50 Castrol seems like the best bet. Any recommendations? TIA

 

[haley10]

You're program was excellent, so I don't understand why you want to change.

I have the belief that Castrol 5W-50 is at some excellent prices and close-outs in the USA because it it no longer likely to be available. Good oil, but in the future it may be like looking for hen's teeth. Again, good stuff, I just see it being discontinued in the USA or hard to find. Advance, Auto Zone, and Wally will probably close it out. If you get it otherwise, no problem.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
like haley10 I would have to ask the question "why would you want to change"?

In your case I would use Mobil 1 Truck and SUV 5w40 knowing that you are using one of if not the most, cost effective engine lubricants ever made

If your temperature range is between -25C and 45C+ the Mobil 1 Truck and SUV 5w40 lubricant can be used throughout the year

You are best to stick with a Xw-40 lubricant and so far you have been doing the correct thing to prolong the life of you investment.

Always remember that there is no magic lubricant!

Mobil 1 is the most cost effective and readily available synthetic range of oils on the world market - from Anchorage to Zillmere and all in between - East, West & North, South!

Regards
Doug

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Why aren't you even considering the only other true synthetic.... Pennzoil Platinum??????

Also... I son't see Red Line, Amsoil, Gold GC or Schaefers on your list?

 

[Islandvic]

I would choose either the Shell Rotella or Mobil 1 5w40 b/c it's available at Wal-Mart for a good price.

Was there engine noise before?

What were your OCI's?

 

[92saturnsl2]

The decision to change stems from simply the desire to try something different. There's no engine noise that is cause for concern, however it is likely louder than most due to the fact it employs timing chains (which are seemingly audible) rather than a belt.

The products which meet the required viscosity that I listed are the only ones available in my area. There is no such thing as shaefers around here, and the others are not readily available. What is gold GC? I don't believe I've seen that around here, and to my knowledge GC is only available in a 0w30 wieght, something I'd probably want to wait till winter to try. What is so different about the Pennzoil Platinum?

My OCI's have thus far been 5k (haven't gotten around to an analysis yet, but I'll get one on this 5k run of Mobil 1 Truck and SUV 5-40).

I understand there is no magic oil, just getting an idea of what is popular/recommended to try besides the two Mobil 1 variants I'd been using up to this time.

 

[AndyH]

quote:

---

Originally posted by 92saturnsl2:
What is gold GC? I don't believe I've seen that around here, and to my knowledge GC is only available in a 0w30 wieght, something I'd probably want to wait till winter to try.

---

Castrol Syntec 0w30 (a.k.a., German Castrol) is only available in the 0w30 variety, and must say "Made in Germany" on the rear label:

Looking at the bottom of the bottle you should see a date code that starts like "M0504...". The "green" GC has batches <= "M0504". The "gold" GC started with the "M0507" batch. If you can locate the "green" GC, I'd definitely give it a try in your VR6. The jury is still out on the "gold" GC at this point, as the used oil analysis on it are just starting to trickle in.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
to add to the confusion, this oil is NOT Porsche Approved and is NOT on their List even though it is shown on the label!

It has NOT been Approved or Listed since at least March 2004 and probably much earlier (two or three years or more) than that!

This is the sad part about the once proud Burmah Castrol organisation - marketing via BP!
It is all part of the BP rationalisation programme and "brand engineering"

Regards
Doug