First off, thank you to everyone on this board. I find it highly informative and of great value when trying to get as much mileage out of my cars without spending too much time---and cutting through all the bunk.
After reading here for a while, I've found the spark to change oil myself once again after spending $50 for "synthetic" oil on my 93 SL2, only to have it start consuming it at a rate of 1qt per 250 miles. Found out it wasn't truly synthetic. NEVER will I go to a Valvoline oil change shop again! I'll do it myself, at least I know exactly what's going on with the most important part of the engine: the oil!
First Issue:
I own a 99 Toyota Sienna with the infamous sludge-prone V6. We purchased this vehicle with 19K from a local dealer (we knew the previous owner), mostly city miles and it was maintained properly. After we hit 33K, I started reading about the sludge problem. So I went to the local Valvoline oil change place, did the 10 minute sludge treatment, and changed the oil with the standard 5W-30, then I found this web site a couple days later. Most advice was quite sound: don't do those instant desludge procedures--take the gunk out slowly with Auto-Rx and other products. So far, no leaks or other detrimental effects and the oil looks quite clean evean after 2000 miles after the oil change. Since we've moved to a more rural area, almost all miles are highway miles since about the 27K mark. After reading many of the posts on this engine, I've decided to use Chevron Supreme and and the OEM Toyota filter every 3000 miles.
Q: Would the Chevron Supreme in the 10W-30 weight be okay for this specific engine during the summertime in TN heat or should I use the factory recommended 5W-30?
On to my other car, 1996 Saturn SL2 DOHC model. I bought this used with 81K. (This is my 4th saturn). The engine needs some cleaning, but doesn't consume any notice any oil consumption. I changed the oil when I got it at a local Havoline oil change shop. Then just yesterday, I changed it again since with only 1200 miles on it-it looked overly dark for that few miles on it since the last change.
Q: I've never used anything but 5W-30 in my Saturns, now that I no longer live in in the frozen tundra of Chicago, can Chevron Supreme 10W-30 be safely used rather than the factory-spec 5W-30? Supertech Filters okay?
Thanks,
ToyotaNSaturn
Spring Hill, TN
After reading here for a while, I've found the spark to change oil myself once again after spending $50 for "synthetic" oil on my 93 SL2, only to have it start consuming it at a rate of 1qt per 250 miles. Found out it wasn't truly synthetic. NEVER will I go to a Valvoline oil change shop again! I'll do it myself, at least I know exactly what's going on with the most important part of the engine: the oil!
First Issue:
I own a 99 Toyota Sienna with the infamous sludge-prone V6. We purchased this vehicle with 19K from a local dealer (we knew the previous owner), mostly city miles and it was maintained properly. After we hit 33K, I started reading about the sludge problem. So I went to the local Valvoline oil change place, did the 10 minute sludge treatment, and changed the oil with the standard 5W-30, then I found this web site a couple days later. Most advice was quite sound: don't do those instant desludge procedures--take the gunk out slowly with Auto-Rx and other products. So far, no leaks or other detrimental effects and the oil looks quite clean evean after 2000 miles after the oil change. Since we've moved to a more rural area, almost all miles are highway miles since about the 27K mark. After reading many of the posts on this engine, I've decided to use Chevron Supreme and and the OEM Toyota filter every 3000 miles.
Q: Would the Chevron Supreme in the 10W-30 weight be okay for this specific engine during the summertime in TN heat or should I use the factory recommended 5W-30?
On to my other car, 1996 Saturn SL2 DOHC model. I bought this used with 81K. (This is my 4th saturn). The engine needs some cleaning, but doesn't consume any notice any oil consumption. I changed the oil when I got it at a local Havoline oil change shop. Then just yesterday, I changed it again since with only 1200 miles on it-it looked overly dark for that few miles on it since the last change.
Q: I've never used anything but 5W-30 in my Saturns, now that I no longer live in in the frozen tundra of Chicago, can Chevron Supreme 10W-30 be safely used rather than the factory-spec 5W-30? Supertech Filters okay?
Thanks,
ToyotaNSaturn
Spring Hill, TN