Jeep 4.0L... Valvoline synpower?

[jeepman3071]

I just bought my 2000 Cherokee 4.0L with 98K miles on it. I used to own a Ford Ranger 3.0 and used Valvoline synthetic 5w30. I've read a lot about the lower ZDDP issue in newer oils, since the 4.0L has a flat tappet cam. I always change my oil at 3K miles and use a good Purolator filter. Would I be okay to continue using the Valvoline synpower? A buddy of mine told me that the synpower should be okay since it has an additive in it that claims to protect older motors with the flat tappet cams. Not sure if this is true or not.

Thanks!

 

[StevieC]

The 4.0's are virtually indestructible. Any conventional oil changed at a reasonable interval like 4-5K miles would be more than fine in this engine with a quality filter.

I know I have torn lots of these apart for rebuilding after hundreds of thousands of miles on the road.

Drive Happy, you have a great engine!

What are your driving patterns like?

 

[Johnny]

Your SynPower will work just fine. Might want to bump it up to 10w30 though. None of the 4.0L I've owned cared much for 5w30.

 

[jeepman3071]

Work is only about 15 minutes away, and in the cold winters (I live in CT) I'll let the jeep warm up before I leave. I hardly ever drive on the highway. I used to own a '90 Cherokee before my Ranger, and it was a great vehicle, but that was also before the new SM rated oils came into play.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Hokiefyd]

I agree that I'd probably bump it up to 10w30.

 

[fins]

Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
I just bought my 2000 Cherokee 4.0L with 98K miles on it. I used to own a Ford Ranger 3.0 and used Valvoline synthetic 5w30. I've read a lot about the lower ZDDP issue in newer oils, since the 4.0L has a flat tappet cam.
Thanks!


I have an 05 Wrangler 4.0......I also was concerned about the ZDDP issue.
I am using Shell Rotella 15-40, as are quite a few other Jeep 4.0 owners.

 

[ArtDart]

I ran Rotella 5w40 in my 4.0...
excellent oil for year round use.

jringo

 

[jstutz]

curious as to why 10w30 is being recommended over the 5w30 for short trip vehicle. What benefit would the 10w30 have unless it was rotella or something.

 

[StevieC]

It's not so much the short trip thing, it's that the 10w30 is less likely to shear as much as a 5w30 because of the range in between making it that way.

These engines aren't fussy and do well with any oil...

 

[jstutz]

Im just sayin, the 4.0 is easy on oil and he only wants to run 3k changes on synpower 5w30. I dont think he has to worry about sheering.

 

[RageOfFury]

From what I've read on here and on several Jeep forums, Rotella 5W-40 is the preferred oil for the AMC 4.0L.

 

[1345]

I have a 97 cherokee xj with a 4.0. I had mobil 1 10w30 HM and a mobil 1 m1-301 filter and it was noisey and loud. I changed it too valvoline maxlife 10w30 and a purolator pureome pl30001 filter and now it is quit and smooth it made a big difference. If I where you I would change to maxlife for a few oil changes and then change to synpower. You also might want to change your oil pressure sending unit it is next to the oil filter and very easy to change. The jeep 4.0 has outstanding acceleration.

 

[Truckedup]

I've had a bunch of bought used 4.0 Cherokees and currently own two 1999 models. I used whatever 10/40 oil was on sale,a Wix or Purolator filter and changed both around 5000 miles or about 3 times a year.At 200 K they ran exactly the same as 90K miles. Any oil will do,use a quality filter.And don't overheat them.......