New to me truck

Pennzoil motor oil
Status
Not open for further replies.
J

JFortner5

Joined
Nov 15, 2014
Messages
14
Location
Hueytown, AL
First post here
cool.gif


I just bought a 99 GMC Sierra with a 4.8L V8 and 4L60e 4 speed auto transmission. I had planned on driving the Ranger for a few more years before buying something else but I came across this truck and got a once in a lifetime deal on it. It has 49k original miles and seems to run great. I have put about 1k miles on it so far.

I have not changed the oil yet, it looks brand new but I am planning on doing it soon. I did do a pan drop on the transmission to replace the filter. I added 5 quarts of Valvoline Dex VI to what I assume was the factory fill. I plan to do another after maybe 5k more miles just to get more new fluid mixed in.

My question is there any general preference around here for a good oil and weight for the GM LS engines? It seems like I have heard somewhere that the oil filters on these trucks are tiny and there is a longer on that will fit, but I could be wrong.

Thanks,
Joey
 
Hello, Joey. Welcome to the forum.

1. Pennzoil/Quaker State 5w30 dexos1 is $16.97/5qts. @ Walmart.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Quaker-State-5W30-Dexos-Synthetic-Blend-Motor-Oil-5-qt/36142648

2. Follow the OLM (Oil Life Monitor) and change when it tells you to.

3. The oil filter is seemingly compact, but unless you can articulate with data as to why an oversized version would be superior (hint: you can't) for OLM intervals, I'd advise sticking with the recommended model.
 
They really aren't picky on oil, some Mobil 1 5w30 and a decent oil filter will keep it happy for a long time.
 
Since you're in Alabama, with an engine that is prone to piston slap (I have a 2000 Sierra), you'll probably want to run something in a 10w30, to help keep it quieter. I've used Pennzoil Platinum and Shell Rotella T5, both in 10w30, with good success.

Using 5w30 in this engine leads to noise for me.

The longer filter was the one that was originally specified for these trucks. Look for a Purolator 25288, an AC Delco PF61, Wix 51522, Mobil 1 M1-208... or an equivalent cross reference to any of those four.
 
Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
3. The oil filter is seemingly compact, but unless you can articulate with data as to why an oversized version would be superior (hint: you can't) for OLM intervals, I'd advise sticking with the recommended model.


The recommended filter for the 1999 models IS the longer version.

It was on the newer models, that the spec changed to the smaller filter.
 
To the OP:

Mobil 1 and a decent quality filter of your choosing.

The Fram catalog lists TWO filters applicable to your truck:
3506
3675(longer version)

Since Fram has given the OK, go with the filter that is cheaper, no advantage to using a slightly longer filter.

As far as oil, choose a quality synthetic(Mobil 1, Castrol Edge, Pennzoil Platinum, Amsoil, etc.) and change when the OLM tells you to.

Since you already dropped the pan and changed the transmission filter, simply do a suck and fill next time.

Change out the differential fluid with a good quality synthetic gear oil.
 
Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
Since you're in Alabama, with an engine that is prone to piston slap (I have a 2000 Sierra), you'll probably want to run something in a 10w30, to help keep it quieter. I've used Pennzoil Platinum and Shell Rotella T5, both in 10w30, with good success.

Using 5w30 in this engine leads to noise for me.

The longer filter was the one that was originally specified for these trucks. Look for a Purolator 25288, an AC Delco PF61, Wix 51522, Mobil 1 M1-208... or an equivalent cross reference to any of those four.


I fail to see that if an engine is having piston slap that 10w30 will be quiet while 5w30 will be noisy, especially since both are 30 weight at operating temperature AND 5W will provide better cold flow properties.
 
If it has piston slap a member Turk on here has used Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5w40 in his Chevy truck to quiet it down. It's a gasoline engine rated oil as well.
 
Mobil 1 High Mileage 5w30 will be great. The high mileage version of Mobil 1 still carries the older API SL specifications that allow increased anti wear additives. Really great stuff
 
Wow I wasn't expecting so many replies so quick. This engine so far is pretty quiet. I have a buddy with an 02 4.8L and sometimes his sounds like a diesel but he has about 130k on his now.

This truck doesn't have the oil life monitor I don't think that started until 03 or so. I usually do 5-6k mile OCI's.
 
Welcome to Bitog.

The OEM filter would have been the now-discontinued PF59, a longish filter with an anti-drainback valve. It crosses to a Wix 51522 (or NAPA Gold 1522).

Does your transmission have a drain plug? Since the filter has been changed, you should be able to do drain and fills from here on out. You might also have a differential drain plug--check the bottom of the housing.

I bought a 2001 5.3 Silverado new and started using Mobil 1 5w30 at the third oil change. When I found this site, green German Castrol was the rage, and people were saying the LS engines did well on a "thick" 30-weight like GC. That led me to stock up during a big Mobil 1 sale, and I've been mixing 5-30 4:2 with 0-40 since then.

My engine never developed piston slap, but I can't say whether that's because of luck or my oil choice. The OLM is calibrated for turn-of-the-century conventional oil, so I usually reset it when it first comes on and change the next time. I did a used oil analysis at 7200, my longest OCI up to that point, and I have run the oil to 8700 with lots of highway driving.

Enjoy the truck.
 
Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
Originally Posted By: JFortner5
This truck doesn't have the oil life monitor


Incorrect.

"Your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This monitor will show you when to change the engine oil and filter -- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change."

http://www.vadengmpp.com/owners-manual/gmc/1999-GMC-Sierra.pdf


I stand corrected thank you sir.
 
Originally Posted By: stchman
I fail to see that if an engine is having piston slap that 10w30 will be quiet while 5w30 will be noisy, especially since both are 30 weight at operating temperature AND 5W will provide better cold flow properties.


Maybe if you owned a 'slapper' from the GMT-800 years, you might understand why.
 
Originally Posted By: Rhymingmechanic
Welcome to Bitog.

The OEM filter would have been the now-discontinued PF59, a longish filter with an anti-drainback valve.


And the PF61 can now be used in its place, instead of the shorter versions.
 
You'll learn to love the OLM. It is a true gem of a feature on these trucks. It works the way a monitor should.

And thanks for the picture... nice truck!
 
Hello, I know you asked about oil and transmission fluid but since my friend got a "truck like yours" I must suggest looking at the coolant too.

His was a '97 F-150 with 47,000 miles which had sat in a garage for >2 years. The coolant had turned into vile organic wretch.

We also did his trannie filter. The fluid was moderately dirty.

The crankcase contained 3 quarts of roofing tar.

I agree, nice truck. Kira
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

NotATacoFL2
2024 Civic & 2023 CX-5 - Maintenance Ideas
Replies
6
Views
369
NotATacoFL2
A
New Pentastar oil/filter recommendation
2 3
Replies
51
Views
2K
Alltherage
U
Castrol Edge 5w30 API SQ in 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500
2
Replies
25
Views
2K
unkillsam
M
Oil for neglected truck
2
Replies
24
Views
1K
TumblrDucks
T
Mobil 1 or Mobil 1 Extended Performance - 2025 Explorer 2.3 ecoboost
Replies
18
Views
534
edyvw
Back
Top Bottom