Long Trip Recommendations?

[Scott_in_WI]

OK, we’ve had short trip oil recommendations (and commentary

), now how about some long trip recommendations? I just bought a 2004 Sebring Limited Coupe (Mitsubishi manufactured in Normal, IL) with the Mitsubishi 3.0L V6 @ 200HP. I’m in a sales-related job for which I cover the entire state. As a result of this, I drive 1200-1500 miles per week, 95% at highway speeds (needless to say). With my previous car I used M1 10W-30 with an oversized filter and 10,000 mile OCI. Is this a “sound” approach or should I change something?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!!

 

[wwillson]

This should work fine. You almost can't wear a motor out with all highway driving....

 

[OILNEWBY]

Hey wwillson,

What part of Naperville do you live? I grew up in Naperville, now living in southern california. Its a small world.

 

[wwillson]

quote:

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Originally posted by OILNEWBY:
Hey wwillson,

What part of Naperville do you live? I grew up in Naperville, now living in southern california. Its a small world.

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Huntington Estates - close to Naper and Hobson. Where did you grow up? When did you graduate from High School?

 

[Ugly3]

I would run Mobil 1 5w30 to get a slightly better flow on those cold winter mornings.

Slightly

After you get the engine broken in, maybe 30,000 miles or so, please, please, please, do a used oil analysis and post the results. My bet is the UOA will indicate the oil is not 1/2 worn out under your driving conditions.

Happy travelling!

 

[OILNEWBY]

wwillson,

I graduated from Nap. Central, the last year of the Redskins. I grew up in Naper Carriage Hill. I moved to the west coast about 7 years ago.

 

[Scott_in_WI]

quote:

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Originally posted by T-Keith:
Sounds like a good idea, but keep an eye on oil level. You may want to invest in some Lube Control.

Careful with that engine too. The 3.0 was known for various problems especially head gaskets.

-T

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Thanks for the "Heads Up", I check my oil every morning before pulling out of the garage. I've done a little research on the 3.0L head gasket issue, it was supposedly resolved with the 2001 model year. Have you heard of any problems on a model year more recent than that? Thanks again.

 

[427Z06]

I concur with everything above. I might add that you might want to try M1 0w30 for the coldest winter months, if it isn't to much of a hassle to find.

Also I would do a UOA on the 2nd or 3rd OCI just te see if everything is HUNKY-DORY.

 

[Matt_S]

I would 2'nd the idea that you could go beyond 10,000 miles with M1, although I would do an oil analysis after the engine breaks in to be sure. With that type of driving, though, M1 should be very long wearing.

 

[JohnnyO]

I would keep doing what you're doing, although Mobil 1 5w-30 will be fine if your engine calls for that weight. The 10k OCI might be somewhat past the recommended for warranty purposes, FWIW.

 

[ruking77]

I would second Mobil One 5-10W-30. I have also done (and will continue to do) 15,000 miles oil and filter changes. After app 660k miles there have been simply NO issues.

Seems like you would be a good candidate for a diesel!?

If your estimates are correct, you do app 78,000 miles per year! At 45-50 mpg (2003 VW Jetta TDI) you would use 1560 -1733 gal vs say 32 mpg and 2438 gals. At your mileage rate I would click off 500,000 to 1,000,000 miles in 6-13 years.

[ August 27, 2004, 12:41 PM: Message edited by: ruking77 ]

 

[Scott_in_WI]

quote:

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Originally posted by ruking77:
I would second Mobil One 5-10W-30. I have also done (and will continue to do) 15,000 miles oil and filter changes. After app 660k miles there have been simply NO issues.

Seems like you would be a good candidate for a diesel!?

If your estimates are correct, you do app 78,000 miles per year! At 45-50 mpg (2003 VW Jetta TDI) you would use 1560 -1733 gal vs say 32 mpg and 2438 gals. At your mileage rate I would click off 500,000 to 1,000,000 miles in 6-13 years.

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Thanks for the suggestion.... However, I don't want to worry about a diesel during Wisconsin winters, don't like the smell of diesel, and my employer pays for all of my gas and one oil change per month

 

[T-Keith]

Sounds like a good idea, but keep an eye on oil level. You may want to invest in some Lube Control.

Careful with that engine too. The 3.0 was known for various problems especially head gaskets.

-T

 

[Scott_in_WI]

quote:

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Originally posted by 427Z06:
I concur with everything above. I might add that you might want to try M1 0w30 for the coldest winter months, if it isn't to much of a hassle to find.

Also I would do a UOA on the 2nd or 3rd OCI just te see if everything is HUNKY-DORY.

---

Two questions,
1. Isn't M1 0W-30 prone to shear out of grade in this type of application (I thought it had lots of VIIs)?

2. I've also read the M1 0W-30 is pretty volitile and oil useage can be very high.


BTW, I'll have and analysis done around 25,000 miles. I'll be sure to post it for your reading pleasure. Given that I've had the car for just under four weeks and just passed 5,000 miles, that should be in the October/November time frame.

Thanks!

 

[KW]

It looks like you have a very good plan with the 10K oil changes with Mobil 1 5/10W30.

 

[Gary Allan]

Is this the same 3.0 Mitsu that's been around for over a decade ..I mean besides cams/injection/power improvements???

My experience with this engine has suggested that it doesn't like extended drains ..regardless of driving style. My wife did a 50 mile a day two way commute all on the four lane and it routinely used oil after 3k on the oil. It didn't matter what M1 I used (older evolutions of the stuff). The performance and economy are still great @ 160k+ ..but I had my choice of either changing it ...or putting it in for make up oil.

 

[Scott_in_WI]

quote:

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Originally posted by Gary Allan:
Is this the same 3.0 Mitsu that's been around for over a decade ..I mean besides cams/injection/power improvements???

My experience with this engine has suggested that it doesn't like extended drains ..regardless of driving style. My wife did a 50 mile a day two way commute all on the four lane and it routinely used oil after 3k on the oil. It didn't matter what M1 I used (older evolutions of the stuff). The performance and economy are still great @ 160k+ ..but I had my choice of either changing it ...or putting it in for make up oil.

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That's the one....

I've been told that Mitsubishi had valve guide (source of oil consumption)and Head gasket issues with this engine until the 2001 model year. I've changed the oil once in this engine already at ~1500 miles. As I stated in my earlier post, I just turned 5000 on it this week. I've been watching it very carefully (check it every morning), so far the oil level is constant, no change whatsoever.

 

[Gary Allan]

Mine showed valve seal leakage after about 130k ..just happened one day while idling in the summer. AutoRX, much to may pleasure and amazment, appears to be doing a good job of eliminating it.

I should have added ..."after breakin" for my consumption issues. Our owners manual ..or was it a mailed thing from the dealer

..anyway a seperate printed sheet (not official Chrysler publication) stated that they "strongly recommended" a 3k/3m OIC...my observations confirmed this was wise.

I hope that they've conquered some of these issues. I'm normally an XOCI person ..but this engine had me resigned to the 3k prison.

I did a search in the UOA section to see if anyone had much makeup oil with this engine. There appears to be very few of them that see enough mileage to track it. Many are turbos (GT-3xxx or Stealths) and are basically Sunday drivers ..or occasional use vehicles.