I have committed the ultimate oil sin

[buickman50401]

Honestly I don't think Elf gets enough credit for their oils, particularly for cars requiring a Euro spec'd oil.

0w30 Excellium Full Tech
http://www.lubadmin.com/upload/produit/FichePDF/lang_1/5814.pdf
ACEA: A3/B4
API: SL/CF
Vis @ 40C = 68.45
Vis @ 100C = 12.18
Vis Index 170
Flash Point 226C
TBN 8.8
HTHS >3.5 (A3 specs)

5w30 Solaris LSX
http://www.lubadmin.com/upload/produit/FichePDF/lang_5/5815.pdf
ACEA: C3, A3/B4
API: SM/CF
Vis @ 40C = 70
Vis @ 100C = 11.9
Vis Index 168
Flash Point 234
TBN 7
HTHS >3.5 (A3 specs)

 

[TallPaul]

Quote:
When I do it myself its either been a Wix or Mobil 1 ...
If you can get a Baldwin, they are really nice, I think comparable in quality to Wix and as a bonus, they are painted bright red for that competition look. I was not happy when Wix started painting filters black. How do you see oil leaking on a black filter? But with white or any bright color, it's easy.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Black to radiate heat and differ from Purolator! I had a hasting cut open and it wasnt a great unit, not very good stamping on the base for the ADBV seat and suspect bypass valve sealing, non-uniform pleats and low pleat count. This was a federated jobber hastings 3 buck unit ( x-ref for a subaru)

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: buickman50401
Honestly I don't think Elf gets enough credit for their oils, particularly for cars requiring a Euro spec'd oil.

ELF/Total do in the euro oil forum ... Where can I walk in to a common store and buy it of the shelf for 6 bucks?

 

[ARB1977]

I can see it now, use whats approved and it blows up, use what currently in there and it lasts forever.

 

[951Indy]

You'll be fine with the orange can, I've got 188,000 on my car with them. I'd be more worried that someone has convinced you that you can "top up" a weak battery. This may call for a "Bob is the battery guy" forum...

 

[VWright]

+1 on what 951 said, you cannot top off a weak battery...

VW

 

[Geonerd]

Regarding the Fram....

It's during a bitter cold start, when the oil pump is forcing VERY sluggish oil into the filter, that I would expect a lightly built OCOD to have 'problems.'
5 minutes and 5 bucks will buy some peace of mind.