Thermostat? Was it bad? Could be the injection has been on the rich side for 2200 miles? He could have a point.
Mechanic isn't asking to change it, he knows I do my own oil changes (that and tire rotations is about all I do myself)..... He's advising me to change it due to the color.
Yeah, I don't get it either. First off, a tech is only going to make a few bucks doing an oil change. I think the most I've ever seen a flat rate tech make on an oil change was .5 hours...and usually it was .3...and that included getting the car out in the parking lot, finding the keys, finding where it is parked, pulling it in, setting the lift up, going to the parts counter for a filter and plug gasket, doing the oil change, pulling the car out and parking it. That's not including checking tire pressures, and topping off fluids. By the time you're done you just lost out on three other jobs that you could have possibly made money on.I don't get the calls for you to change mechanics . You said he's not trying to create business for himself so just be happy that he's trying to look out for you .
He may learn that the color doesn't necessarily mean the oil is bad or over-contaminated and that it is still performing just fine. People learn new things every day.Like what? Beware upselling to an Oil-Karen who is willing to flex their lexicon and has nothing better to do?
Mostly pre-2000 Northstars and those are mostly all dead by now. I'm surprised it's not leaking and burning oil fast enough to stay clean.I agree with Pontiac HO. Northstars have had issues with coolant in the oil, and with head bolts pulling out of their threads. He may have also made this recommendation NOT KNOWING how many miles are on the oil in question.
What makes you think he doesn’t already knows or would even care… If he get 5 of 10 people do an oil change with statements like that why would he want to change and potentially lose that low hanging revenue?He may learn that the color doesn't necessarily mean the oil is bad or over-contaminated and that it is still performing just fine. People learn new things every day.
You're quite the optimist, so sorry for offending you.What makes you think he doesn’t already knows or would even care… If he get 5 of 10 people do an oil change with statements like that why would he want to change and potentially lose that low hanging revenue?
Realist. None takenYou're quite the optimist, so sorry for offending you.
The oil might be dirty / contaminated. If it looks dirty, I would change it.Cadillac Deville (4.6 Northstar 104k) is in the shop for a look over, fuel filter change, coolant flush, new thermostat. Mechanic says oil needs to be.changed because it's dark. OLM says 63% remaining life....oil was changed 2200 miles ago in January. Mobil 1 Extended Protection High Mileage, Mobil 1 EP filter.
Mechanic isn't asking to change it, he knows I do my own oil changes (that and tire rotations is about all I do myself)..... He's advising me to change it due to the color. Should I? Does color matter?
My normal OCIs are every 6 months unless i hit 5-7 k then I'll do it sooner.
No totally a preventive maintenance thing.Northstars have had a history of coolant showing up in the oil. Wondering if he’s seeing signs of that and he’s buying some time. Is the thermostat change due to an overheating issue?
Nodthing wrong with thermostat. I swap em out on all my cars after 4 years no matter what. Not a necessary nepair..... Just preventive maintenance i do.Thermostat change? So has the engine been running cold a lot on this oil change? That can certainly cause premature breakdown of the oil, with extra fuel making it past the rings and excessive water in the crankcase.
It's not unreasonable to think the oil got a beating. And the previous oil fill might have aswell, depending how long the thermostat was faulty and how bad it was. If so, that previous fill left nasties in the engine that this fill has to deal with aswell.
Yes PM. **** thing was $45. Over double price of my other 4 t stats i replace annually. Genuine GM.Why the T- stat change? Just PM? OEM T-stat?
If car has been running well, leave the oil in.
It's M1 EP - leave it and continue with the regimen you explained in post #1
You would be doing the car and yourself NO FAVOUR AT ALL by changing the oil quite early.
- Ken
OK not a bad idea. Recommendation for good flush product?The oil might be dirty / contaminated. If it looks dirty, I would change it.
You may wish to do an engine flush, and then check the new oil after the oil change how many miles it takes to get dirty looking.
My oil is still a nice light gold, still transparent when I'm down to 7% oil life....4100 miles in 3 months. Lots of starts and lots of idle time, but also lots of highway.Cadillac Deville (4.6 Northstar 104k) is in the shop for a look over, fuel filter change, coolant flush, new thermostat. Mechanic says oil needs to be.changed because it's dark. OLM says 63% remaining life....oil was changed 2200 miles ago in January. Mobil 1 Extended Protection High Mileage, Mobil 1 EP filter.
Mechanic isn't asking to change it, he knows I do my own oil changes (that and tire rotations is about all I do myself)..... He's advising me to change it due to the color. Should I? Does color matter?
My normal OCIs are every 6 months unless i hit 5-7 k then I'll do it sooner.
Did the jug say "Triple Action" on it? What was the previous oil you used before this?Should I? Does color matter?