Mobil 1 0w40 vs. Belgian Castrol 5w-40

[teamDFL]

While a very limited data-point, I was back at Virginia International Raceway this weekend. In February, I ran Mobil 1 0w-40 and burnt off about 1/2 qt over the weekend. This weekend, I switched to the Belgian made Castrol Syntec 5w-40 and experienced zero oil consumption.

Car is a 2001 Focus ZX3, DOHC Zetec. Oil temps are over 280° in ever session. Sessions are typically 25-30 minutes long.

 

[Dr. T]

Yes, I too have experienced the most burn-off of any synthetic with M-1...regardless of grade.

 

[LarryL]

Is BC the replacement for GC?

 

[teamDFL]

quote:

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Originally posted by LarryL:
Is BC the replacement for GC?

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No, BC is 5w-40 while GC is 0w-30. I went with BC because it is a thinner 5w-40. Same reason I chose 0w-40 M1. The Zetec specs 5w-20, however at 300° I am not so confident in a 20w oil.

 

[LarryL]

300F is kind of warm. Does a 5w-20 have shear problems at that temp? And if you're reading 300F it's possible that in other places inside your engine it's even hotter.

 

[teamDFL]

quote:

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Originally posted by LarryL:
300F is kind of warm. Does a 5w-20 have shear problems at that temp? And if you're reading 300F it's possible that in other places inside your engine it's even hotter.

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It is more than possible, it is a certainty. I judge by HTHS, as I think 300° and 6000rpm fits the parameters of that test well. That is why I stepped up to a 40w.

 

[JHZR2]

If your team really is DFL, does it really matter???

I have heard a lot of burnoff stories with Mobil 1. 0w-40 is an economizer grade, not a racing grade. im not so sure it is deservant of the acea a3 rating, but whatever.

I would consider Mobil 1 Truck and SUV, rotella synthetic, if you want a 40wt.

You might consider trying Mobil 1 15w-50 since its starting to be warm out. May be too thick, but there is only one way to find out.

Might want to consider redline oil, or maybe better would be the amsoil 5w30 'HDD' oil. CI4+ spec, HTHS>3.5 and 11.5 cSt at 100.

JMH

 

[teamDFL]

The DFL is 100% tongue-in-cheek. Actually derived from the fact that my friend and I once said that we had so much fun running, we don't care if we come in DFL!

I am not sure that I want to go to such a thick oil. With solid lifters and high lift cams, I am worried about a thick oil not working properly into the tight clearances. I have never seen a Zetec have anything thicker than a 30wt recommended by Ford. So, I have tried to go with some thin 40's, figuring that is close enough. If I get no burn-off with the BC, I see no reason not to use. It is the same price or cheaper than the M1, so it is a lateral move financially. Redline is too expensive for me, and Rotella T Syn is a very thick 40wt, IIRC. Amsoil isn't oftenavailable at a store, an important consideration when travelling to a race track in the middle of nowhere Virginia or Georgia as I sometimes do. I have no animosity towards Castrol like some here seem to. However, I am not about to start discussion the importance of the color of it either...

 

[JohnBrowning]

Team DFL, BC has a preety weak additive package especialy in the anti-wear/EP area. You might want to consider a blend of Mobil 1 Extended Performance 15w50 and Mobil 1 Extended Performance 10w30 50/50 to arive at a nice solid 40Wt. with good additive package and a solid TBN with no VII's!!

 

[buster]

Amsoil 5w-40, or Mobil 1 10w-40 EP if you can find it would be two good choices.

 

[Losiho]

I've never had any problems with burn-off with M1, regardless of grade.