After years of being lied to and jerked around by the quickie lubes I have had it! One recent occurance where I knew for a fact I was being lied to did it. I am done with that scene forever. Then I found this site. I still haven't decided whether that is good or bad.
Now I feel incredibly stupid for ever paying them to do it when I can do it for 1/2-1/3 the cost and still use higher quality oil and filters. I also have a new found attachment to my beloved Mustang. I feel like I am taking care of her and that makes me feel very satisfied.
Anyway, now that I am here and making my first post, I have a few questions.
I am changing the oil regularly in three cars now: 2000 Mustang V6 (105,000 miles), 2000 Mercury Sable 12V V6 (125,000 miles), and a 1997 Buick LeSabre (98,000 miles). Up till now I have let the Valvoline fast oil change centers use 10w30 Max Life Blend with Valvoline white oil filters. I have not changed weights in the winter because I live in a mild climate with very hot summers and only cool winters (a 20 deg morning at worst, usually 35-50 degrees). In the Sable and LeSabre this seems to produce cool and quiet engines that never give much trouble no matter the weather.
However, in the Mustang, I get audible clicking and tapping sounds from near the top of the engine during idle until warm and almost always during cold weather. The engine looks clean both inside upon inspection. I used to use Valvoline white bottle conventional 10w30 in this car and didn't notice such sounds at all. I switched to Max Life at about 80,000 miles. I understand the Mustang manual specifies 5w30.
So, for the Mustang, I have decided to switch to 5w30 in one of threse options on my next change: Castrol Syntec, Pennzoil Platinum, Q Horsepower, or Royal Purple. Now I have been reading the boards for a while and it seems Castrol and Royal Purple get very little respect. However, I have heard friends say Royal Purple makes a difference for them in audible noise and gas mileage. I like the Castrol Syntec because of its strong add pack and it being on the lighter side of its specified weight. I am thinking this lighter weight may reduce or stop the clicking and tapping noises on cold mornings.
I also bought a lot (same filter for the Sable and Mustang) of Purolator Pure One filters for no other reason than that I hear they are some of the best and I love that matte gold finish on them.
One last thing, I do 3-4 month/3000-4000 mile OCIs on the Mustang because it is a short trip vehicle that rarely warms to full temperature. Plus, it's a manual transmission and I drive it hard sometimes. All in the rather extreme southern heat.
Should the lighter weight oil make a difference? Should I try the new Ford recommendation of 5w20? Any other recommendations?
Just for your information, I am one of those guys who believes they feel real perceived minute differences in the butt dyno after fresh oil is put in. Yes, I am one of those types.
Now I feel incredibly stupid for ever paying them to do it when I can do it for 1/2-1/3 the cost and still use higher quality oil and filters. I also have a new found attachment to my beloved Mustang. I feel like I am taking care of her and that makes me feel very satisfied.
Anyway, now that I am here and making my first post, I have a few questions.
I am changing the oil regularly in three cars now: 2000 Mustang V6 (105,000 miles), 2000 Mercury Sable 12V V6 (125,000 miles), and a 1997 Buick LeSabre (98,000 miles). Up till now I have let the Valvoline fast oil change centers use 10w30 Max Life Blend with Valvoline white oil filters. I have not changed weights in the winter because I live in a mild climate with very hot summers and only cool winters (a 20 deg morning at worst, usually 35-50 degrees). In the Sable and LeSabre this seems to produce cool and quiet engines that never give much trouble no matter the weather.
However, in the Mustang, I get audible clicking and tapping sounds from near the top of the engine during idle until warm and almost always during cold weather. The engine looks clean both inside upon inspection. I used to use Valvoline white bottle conventional 10w30 in this car and didn't notice such sounds at all. I switched to Max Life at about 80,000 miles. I understand the Mustang manual specifies 5w30.
So, for the Mustang, I have decided to switch to 5w30 in one of threse options on my next change: Castrol Syntec, Pennzoil Platinum, Q Horsepower, or Royal Purple. Now I have been reading the boards for a while and it seems Castrol and Royal Purple get very little respect. However, I have heard friends say Royal Purple makes a difference for them in audible noise and gas mileage. I like the Castrol Syntec because of its strong add pack and it being on the lighter side of its specified weight. I am thinking this lighter weight may reduce or stop the clicking and tapping noises on cold mornings.
I also bought a lot (same filter for the Sable and Mustang) of Purolator Pure One filters for no other reason than that I hear they are some of the best and I love that matte gold finish on them.
One last thing, I do 3-4 month/3000-4000 mile OCIs on the Mustang because it is a short trip vehicle that rarely warms to full temperature. Plus, it's a manual transmission and I drive it hard sometimes. All in the rather extreme southern heat.
Should the lighter weight oil make a difference? Should I try the new Ford recommendation of 5w20? Any other recommendations?
Just for your information, I am one of those guys who believes they feel real perceived minute differences in the butt dyno after fresh oil is put in. Yes, I am one of those types.
. I usually let it drain for 2-3 hours or overnight.
