Minivan fully loaded / thicker oil such as Maxlife

[SFCP]

I've posted early about my conerns with using Maxlife in my dodge caravan 3.3l. It's a 2000 model yr with 76k miles.
I've read a lot of post from people saying they prefer a thinner oil that performs well when hauling, especially synthetics... But, is there are pro's or con's to using a conventional oil that is blended on the thicker side of the spectrum while hauling a lot of luggage and people? I stick with the 5w 30 in the Maxlife since it is already a thicker oil. Is my conercern warrented, or really nothing to worry about at all? I'm assuming that once that oil is heated up, it is performing pretty much as any other conventional 5w 30, non HM oil right?

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Curious! What are you hauling every day? How much weight are we talking abvout here? What percentage is all that weight used?

 

[SFCP]

Well, not hauling that sort of weight every day...but just on long trips...lots of luggage.

 

[Merkava_4]

I had always thought that HM oils are blended thicker to account for engine wear.

 

[TimVipond]

Sounds to me like you are using your vehicle as intended. Max Life is a synthetic blend oil, meaning it likely contains 10-20% synthetic, so you likely are using a better oil than specified in your owners manual. Just follow the normal service intervals in your owners manual and you'll be fine.

If you don't have any leaks or seepage, and want more protection and extended oil changes with a free parts and labor warranty should the oil ever fail, consider Amsoil's 100% synthetic 5W30 and 10W30 products.

 

[smokey1]

was told by techs at VALVOLINE is 30% synthetic and 70% conventional oil . 1-800-team-val I believe if yeh need to ask , could get different answer to that .

 

[Gene K]

In theory the higher the oil temp the higher viscosity rating you need since oil thins with heat. However Synthetic usually has a higher VI and will change less with temp than conventional.

I suspect (although I have not checked) that Chrysler still builds that engine with roughly the same clearances and now specs 5W-20 SynBlend. I suspect any 5w30 SynBlend is going to provide extra viscosity at given temperature than the Group I/II oils originally speced or the GII/III 5W-20 currently speced.

Does it need the MaxLife? Probably not... Will it hurt anything... Nope...

 

[smokey1]

could try the PENNZOIL : S.U.V., Mini-Van , TRUCK synthetic blend that is said to be 30% syn and 70 % conventional . It apparently is thicker for heavier loads , hard driving , etc.. Here is the DATA SHEET for info if interested www.pzlqs.com/Tech/Pdsheet/DomesticMarketing/EngineOils/pdf/SUVTruckMinivanMotorOil.PDF . Was on sale at PEPBOYS , not sure about now , less than $ 4 a qt. at regular price . Plan on using in our 2000 PRIZM , due to lots of stop and go driving , steep hills , very hot humid weather , etc.. Could use good coating in cylinder walls for that application , hopefully less oil consumption as well , due to high temps and stress due to hilly terrain . GOOD LUCK

 

[smokey1]

have noticed a bit more consumption of oil w/ the switch to PENNZOIL PLATINUM ( bummer , being the engine is quieter during revs , hills , highway ). Hopefully the BLEND be less oil burned , otherwise may just switch back to regular oil using either PENNZOIL ( Yellow Bottle )( good U.O.A.s ) or CASTROL GTX ( good U.O.A.s ) or pondering VALVOLINE MAXLIFE in a synthetic blend ( 30% syn , 70 % conventional ) . Since my venture here , makes it more difficult to make decision . INTERNET can be more of a headache than help at times , too much info , overload !!!

 

[SFCP]

Quote:

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have noticed a bit more consumption of oil w/ the switch to PENNZOIL PLATINUM ( bummer , being the engine is quieter during revs , hills , highway ). Hopefully the BLEND be less oil burned , otherwise may just switch back to regular oil using either PENNZOIL ( Yellow Bottle )( good U.O.A.s ) or CASTROL GTX ( good U.O.A.s ) or pondering VALVOLINE MAXLIFE in a synthetic blend ( 30% syn , 70 % conventional ) . Since my venture here , makes it more difficult to make decision . INTERNET can be more of a headache than help at times , too much info , overload !!!

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What about Valvoline All Climates (good UOA's)??

 

[XB70]

Quote:

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...could try the PENNZOIL : S.U.V., Mini-Van , TRUCK synthetic blend...Was on sale at PEPBOYS , not sure about now , less than $ 4 a qt. at regular price....

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You might be able to find that at Advance Auto Parts on closeout for $0.95.

 

[Camu Mahubah]

Maxlife 5w30 will run just fine in the aforementioned van...

 

[smokey1]

did try to find the PENN. Blend for .95 cents a qt. , all gone .

Thanks tho .