HM Oil Myths

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BlueOvalFitter

BlueOvalFitter

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Feb 28, 2003
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As some of the regulars here know, I am considering going to a HM oil. I could only find a couple of sensible replies on GOOGLE.
After using HM for a few OCIs can I switch back to dino?
Any additional information, opinions, or input is greatly appreciated.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=e6HmEqFdeIY

http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible_pg2.html

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2463279
 
Why did you go to a HM to begin with and did it resolve whatever issue you had ? My understanding is it has more seal conditioners and more anti wear additives in them, more a aging type of oil.
 
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If you're going HM to fix an issue (leaking seal, etc.) and it takes care of it, don't be surprised when the leak returns after going back to non-HM. If you're running it simply because your engine has some mileage on it, I don't see the harm of switching back.
 
Originally Posted By: walk23
Why did you go to a HM to begin with and did it resolve whatever issue you had ?

I have yet to go to a HM oil. I was asking Q?s about it "IF" I do decide to use it.
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I have been doing research on Havoline/Chevron HM oil. The only information I "can't" find out about it is, is it a straight dino or like most other HM oils, a blend?
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I will call Chevron and ask, unless someone here has that infomation.
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I may try M1 HM again to see if my valve cover leak goes away. Leak started immediately after I drained it and filled with M1 15W50.
 
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
I may try M1 HM again to see if my valve cover leak goes away. Leak started immediately after I drained it and filled with M1 15W50.

That's where my leak is coming from. And, you talk about a PITA for someone to get in there!
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Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
I may try M1 HM again to see if my valve cover leak goes away. Leak started immediately after I drained it and filled with M1 15W50.

What I am having a hard time grasping is, if your engine has a leak and you start using a synthetic or blend HM oil, why are HM oils not straight dino? If there is a leak already present we know synthetic will find it and leak more.
Can someone explain this to me? (DNewton3)
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From my understanding,HM oils contain an ester that swells seals. I'd replace mine in a heartbeat,but on a VG30DE engine,they're buried underneath the plenum and a ton of other stuff that has to be removed. Its a MAJOR pita to do,and I've read it's not for the amateur mechanic.
 
Blue Oval is the valve cover gasket leaking badly and have you tried gently tightening the cover ? If your vehicle is doing fine, it might be better to bite the bullet and have the gasket replaced.
 
Originally Posted By: walk23
Blue Oval is the valve cover gasket leaking badly and have you tried gently tightening the cover ? If your vehicle is doing fine, it might be better to bite the bullet and have the gasket replaced.

My cousin will be checking this for me as soon as he gets a day off.
We will go from there after he checks it out.
For now I am just trying to get some HM oil knowledge.
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I don't think a leaking head gasket is reason to swap to a HM oil. I would think HM would be more for seals and head gaskets, that being said, I tend to like the Defy for the added anti wear additives as well as swell agents and the relative low costs.

Keep us posted as to what route you're takingand be sure and check the PCV.
 
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I'd love to hear more actual scientific facts about how the various swelling and conditioning agents could possibly negatively affect the seals. It makes sense to me that any agent that changes the molecular stability of the seal might stop the leak in the short term but actually accelerate the actual failure of the seal.

Any chemists here can offer insight on this aspect.
 
Originally Posted By: BlueOvalFitter
I have yet to go to a HM oil. I was asking Q?s about it "IF" I do decide to use it.
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Geez Louise...go ahead and try it. Besides it's a Fix Or Repair Daily anyway...so something else is going to fall apart soon enough. You don't have a Ferrari engine there bud.
 
Originally Posted By: Doog
Originally Posted By: BlueOvalFitter
I have yet to go to a HM oil. I was asking Q?s about it "IF" I do decide to use it.
smile.gif



Geez Louise...go ahead and try it. Besides it's a Fix Or Repair Daily anyway...so something else is going to fall apart soon enough. You don't have a Ferrari engine there bud.

Easy there Baby Moose!
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Have you ever considered there are other members here that might have the same Q?s as I have posted?
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Originally Posted By: BlueOvalFitter
After using HM for a few OCIs can I switch back to dino?

I'd say you certainly can. The benefits, if they appear in the first place, may disappear eventually. I'd say a lot of it is luck of the draw. I used to use MaxLife 5w30 in my heavily leaking F-150 in the winter, and Mobil Delvac 1300 15w40 in the summer. Both were good at keeping the leaks to a minimum (i.e. no top up during the OCI, which was my goal) and addressing the terrible fuel dilution.

I'm sure if I would have simply returned to a normal ILSAC rated 5w30, I would have seen the leaks all over again. But, I wouldn't characterize that as any "harm." The HM was a band-aid solution until I did the real fix, and I wasn't expecting a magical, permanent solution. If your expectations are realistic, you shouldn't be disappointed.

But, when you can get someone to help you out with the valve cover gasket, that'll be the ticket. I remember on the old Audi, the valve cover gasket was about the consistency and brittleness of stale crackers. Fortunately, that was an easy and cheap fix. That's not always the case.
 
Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: BlueOvalFitter
After using HM for a few OCIs can I switch back to dino?

I'd say you certainly can. The benefits, if they appear in the first place, may disappear eventually. I'd say a lot of it is luck of the draw. I used to use MaxLife 5w30 in my heavily leaking F-150 in the winter, and Mobil Delvac 1300 15w40 in the summer. Both were good at keeping the leaks to a minimum (i.e. no top up during the OCI, which was my goal) and addressing the terrible fuel dilution.

I'm sure if I would have simply returned to a normal ILSAC rated 5w30, I would have seen the leaks all over again. But, I wouldn't characterize that as any "harm." The HM was a band-aid solution until I did the real fix, and I wasn't expecting a magical, permanent solution. If your expectations are realistic, you shouldn't be disappointed.

But, when you can get someone to help you out with the valve cover gasket, that'll be the ticket. I remember on the old Audi, the valve cover gasket was about the consistency and brittleness of stale crackers. Fortunately, that was an easy and cheap fix. That's not always the case.

There was a time when I could change the valve cover gaskets with my eyes closed. But, I will again one day, soon I hope.
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