Motorcraft 5W30 vs. GM 6094M

[NewGuy]

I am almost ready to change the oil in my 5.3L Tahoe and would like to try the MC 5W30, but I am a little worried about the warranty. I finally read the manual regarding oil recommendations. According to the manual I can use 0W30, 5W30 or 10W30...as lost as they are API certified and meet GM6094M.

I know that the MC is a good oil, but I can't find a GM6094M certification. Do you think that the dealer would void my warranty for using the MC oil as it has no GM6094M certification? Should I wait until the warranty expires before trying it?

 

[Alvon]

If you are nervous about using MC oil, there are other quality oil that meet the GM 6094M, such as Castro Syntec blend, or Mobil 5000. At $1.70 / qt (at Walmart), Mobil 5000 is only slightly more expensive than MC. Now that Walmart stops carrying MC oils, I am thinking about using this new oil myself.

 

[NewGuy]

Alvon..I will definitely try the Mobil 5000 within the next few oil changes. I have already bought the MC and was a little nervous after reading the owners manual.

I think I found the answer to my own question. I read the following on the GM Website. I interpret this as saying that any oil is ok in GM autos if it is GF-4 rated.


What is ILSAC GF-4?

ILSAC GF-4 is the code name for the latest and highest performance level of engine oil available for use in gasoline engines. Oils meeting the GF-4 requirements must pass a series of rigid engine dynamometer and bench performance tests, designed to ensure that oils which pass the tests will provide excellent performance in General Motors vehicles. GF-4 engine oils will also help GM vehicles provide improved fuel efficiency, as well as help prevent deterioration of emissions system components.

Who developed the new standard?

The GF-4 consensus standard was developed by an inter-industry group consisting of the U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers, the oil companies, and the petroleum additive companies.

 

[Alvon]

Motorcraft synblend is a good oil, I would not worry using it, even if it didn't say it meets the GM spec.

 

[GeoW]

Would the Mobil 5000 be a good and equal replacement for the MC. The Mobil 5000 is not a blend as is MC. Now the Mobil 7500 is a synthetic blend and looks to be more comparable to the Motorcraft.
Regards,
GeoW

 

[Alvon]

Mobil 5000 base is (almost) all Grp III, so it can be labelled as "syn-blend" like other manufacturers.

 

[Whimsey]

I guess when we see some used oil analysis, especially if they are for vehicles that used the Motorcraft 5w30 blend, then will have a better idea. Remember that the base oil isn't the only thing that makes a quality oil. The additive package is very important also. Look at the Schaeffer's Supreme Blend 5w30. It's a Group II+ and around 20% PAO. Yet it provides just as good if not better wear numbers than Mobil 1 which is all PAO Group IV. The Motorcraft 5w30 is blend of Group II and III. But the additive pack must be pretty good to show the consistant good wear numbers in a variety of vehicles.

Whimsey

 

[Ken2]

Ask the dealership to show you the documents showing that the cheap bulk oil they use meets the GM6094M certification. They'll give you a blank stare.

You won't find a 5w30 oil that isn't suitable. Use your choice. The dealership can not "void" a warranty. It can't happen. If you bring in a problem which was obvious neglect or damage caused by someone, they can deny the warranty claim for that repair. If you never change your oil, or use peanut oil or something else outrageous, they'll deny your warranty claim to repair the engine. The warranty on all other parts of the vehicle will still be in force.


Ken

 

[TheFuror]

quote:

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Originally posted by NewGuy:

I know that the MC is a good oil, but I can't find a GM6094M certification. Do you think that the dealer would void my warranty for using the MC oil as it has no GM6094M certification? Should I wait until the warranty expires before trying it?

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The 6094 standard deals with low temp pumpability (mini rotary valve) test. It is hard to believe that the MC would somehow screw this up....

Bob W.

 

[NewGuy]

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I will be running MC 5W30 for the next couple of OCIs. The results have been good in every UOA to date.