So, should I try the PP or PU? Hear lots of good stuff about both. Only problem is PU in my area is rare as hen's teeth. You guys pick which one and I'll run it
PP or PU?
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Very true sir. I always believed that PU was higher in additives and TBN; but what does a lowly mechanic like me know LOL!
I ran PU twice. I didn't notice anything different but I was buying for the hopefully clean internals being I have a DI engine. I could have very well been buying "hype". I never had any issues with it though. Honestly, PU would probably be just fine.
What vehicle and driving habits do you have?
What vehicle and driving habits do you have?
I would pick the cheaper one. I've run both, mainly in relative's cars, sometimes for very long OCIs, and I really haven't seen any difference. Although, some members really liked the SM rated Ultra, it was supposedly special (for what, I'm not sure)!
My vehicle is a 11' Focus, 2.0 Duratech. 80% highway and not many short trips. I've pushed QSGB to 9,800 and it looked good. I think Boutne and another poster from OHIO posted pics of a cleaning/cleaner valve train using PU
I would just run PP for the simple fact that it is easily obtained. That is why I use it. Oh....and it's a great oil to boot.
I see and thanks for the info
I think it might also depend on what kind of car you have and what grade you're using in differentiating between the two. If I used 5w-20 and had a car that had a degree of performance to it that I used on occasion, I might choose the PU. If I drive a commuter module economy vehicle then I'd probably choose either.
For example, PP in 5w-20 flavor has viscosity specs of 8.2 and 44.9 at 100 and 40 degrees C respectively. PU 5w-20 has specs of 8.8 and 48 at 100 and 40 degrees C respectively. I would guess they probably have an HTHS difference of something like 2.6 for PP and 2.75 for PU. They're not the same oil on that count and the 5w-30s might be closer to the same specs for each oil. There may be other differences in the various weights IDK.
I've used PP several times but have never used PU so I have no experience to compare the two oils.
For example, PP in 5w-20 flavor has viscosity specs of 8.2 and 44.9 at 100 and 40 degrees C respectively. PU 5w-20 has specs of 8.8 and 48 at 100 and 40 degrees C respectively. I would guess they probably have an HTHS difference of something like 2.6 for PP and 2.75 for PU. They're not the same oil on that count and the 5w-30s might be closer to the same specs for each oil. There may be other differences in the various weights IDK.
I've used PP several times but have never used PU so I have no experience to compare the two oils.
Both are great. I've been burning through a stash of PU that I got on clearance from PepBoys a couple years ago. Prior to that, I was using mostly PP. Although PU is better on paper, I don't have a strong preference between the two.
My advice: Use whichever is cheaper or easier to obtain.
My advice: Use whichever is cheaper or easier to obtain.
Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
I would pick the cheaper one. I've run both, mainly in relative's cars, sometimes for very long OCIs, and I really haven't seen any difference. Although, some members really liked the SM rated Ultra, it was supposedly special (for what, I'm not sure)!
When 540RAT ran his tests in 2013 the PU 5w-30 SM was the highest ranking regular oil out there, whatever that's worth (the SN doesn't rank as high). PU probably has a slight advantage in the additive package, assuming formulations haven't changed. I'd also agree with buying whichever of PP or PU you can find cheaper and more available. In most cases that's probably the PP. Don't ignore the QSUD as it's essentially the same oil. Pay attention to the seasonal oil sales at your local auto stores. You can often find these oils on sale for $4 quart or less...and $2/qt after mfg rebates. End of year Nov-Dec closeouts you might find them in the stores at $2/qt.
PQIA
I would pick the cheaper one. I've run both, mainly in relative's cars, sometimes for very long OCIs, and I really haven't seen any difference. Although, some members really liked the SM rated Ultra, it was supposedly special (for what, I'm not sure)!
When 540RAT ran his tests in 2013 the PU 5w-30 SM was the highest ranking regular oil out there, whatever that's worth (the SN doesn't rank as high). PU probably has a slight advantage in the additive package, assuming formulations haven't changed. I'd also agree with buying whichever of PP or PU you can find cheaper and more available. In most cases that's probably the PP. Don't ignore the QSUD as it's essentially the same oil. Pay attention to the seasonal oil sales at your local auto stores. You can often find these oils on sale for $4 quart or less...and $2/qt after mfg rebates. End of year Nov-Dec closeouts you might find them in the stores at $2/qt.
PQIA
If your OCI is more than 10-12k then PU is better, if less than 10k then PP is more than good enough.
Pennzoil Platinum. I still have no idea what the difference between Platinum & Ultra Platinum is besides Pennzoil's claim that it "keeps your engine cleaner." They should specify some more advantages, if there are any...
Save your money and just run PP
Originally Posted By: Vuflanovsky
I think it might also depend on what kind of car you have and what grade you're using in differentiating between the two. If I used 5w-20 and had a car that had a degree of performance to it that I used on occasion, I might choose the PU. If I drive a commuter module economy vehicle then I'd probably choose either.
For example, PP in 5w-20 flavor has viscosity specs of 8.2 and 44.9 at 100 and 40 degrees C respectively. PU 5w-20 has specs of 8.8 and 48 at 100 and 40 degrees C respectively. I would guess they probably have an HTHS difference of something like 2.6 for PP and 2.75 for PU. They're not the same oil on that count and the 5w-30s might be closer to the same specs for each oil. There may be other differences in the various weights IDK.
I've used PP several times but have never used PU so I have no experience to compare the two oils.
I've noted this 5w-20 PPPP vs PUP issue and it puzzles me. Most manufacturers are pretty consistent in viscosity with brands, and each likely has their own view of the "optimal" value. Pennzoil does this for other viscosities, too. But in the 5w-20 case, Pennzoil puts its premier product on the heavy side while its next-best product is about as light as can be found.
In the end it almost surely doesn't matter, but while I accept the proliferation of 20 weight oils I feel better on the heavier side. Thus I avoid PPPP in this viscosity and use Mobil1 instead.
I think it might also depend on what kind of car you have and what grade you're using in differentiating between the two. If I used 5w-20 and had a car that had a degree of performance to it that I used on occasion, I might choose the PU. If I drive a commuter module economy vehicle then I'd probably choose either.
For example, PP in 5w-20 flavor has viscosity specs of 8.2 and 44.9 at 100 and 40 degrees C respectively. PU 5w-20 has specs of 8.8 and 48 at 100 and 40 degrees C respectively. I would guess they probably have an HTHS difference of something like 2.6 for PP and 2.75 for PU. They're not the same oil on that count and the 5w-30s might be closer to the same specs for each oil. There may be other differences in the various weights IDK.
I've used PP several times but have never used PU so I have no experience to compare the two oils.
I've noted this 5w-20 PPPP vs PUP issue and it puzzles me. Most manufacturers are pretty consistent in viscosity with brands, and each likely has their own view of the "optimal" value. Pennzoil does this for other viscosities, too. But in the 5w-20 case, Pennzoil puts its premier product on the heavy side while its next-best product is about as light as can be found.
In the end it almost surely doesn't matter, but while I accept the proliferation of 20 weight oils I feel better on the heavier side. Thus I avoid PPPP in this viscosity and use Mobil1 instead.
I'd agree. I'm not big on the "thick vs. thin" debates on here but there's a difference in PP 5w-20 ( relatively thin ) versus 5w-20s from M1 and Valvoline Synpower, for example, which are similar to 5w-20 PU. It's just something to be aware of if that matters to you...and I'd agree, it may not make a difference depending on your vehicle, driving style, and oil psyche.
Being that I use both PP and QSUD, I can tell you that they are not the same oil, but you'll still hear that fairly often on here because prior to the PP's switchover to the GTL version they were...minus some differences in the additive packs.
Being that I use both PP and QSUD, I can tell you that they are not the same oil, but you'll still hear that fairly often on here because prior to the PP's switchover to the GTL version they were...minus some differences in the additive packs.
Viscosity specs and reality can be quite different. Pennzoil specs their PU 0w-40 SRT oil at a 13.7 viscosity at 100C. But, VOA's I've seen almost always show it in the mid to upper 12's. And UOA's with 500-1500 miles show it to be in the 11's. So much for specs.
The 5w-20 PYB was tested out at a viscosity of 8.7, nearly at the spec of the PU. That's far better than the PP. So am I supposed to believe their PP spec of 8.2 is accurate and they save the best for PYB? I can only go by an independent test, not a spec.
PQIA 5w-20 grade tests
The 5w-20 PYB was tested out at a viscosity of 8.7, nearly at the spec of the PU. That's far better than the PP. So am I supposed to believe their PP spec of 8.2 is accurate and they save the best for PYB? I can only go by an independent test, not a spec.
PQIA 5w-20 grade tests
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I just can't understand for the life of me why Pennzoil never made it widely available? Shot themselves in the foot imo.
I made the change to PU from Mobil 1 in two of my vehicles. The third will be getting it soon. I got a great deal on it. I hope Walmart continues to sell it online, I'd like to stick with it.
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