Should hybrids be using high moly oil?

[Zee09]

They just need makers spec oil and mine go easily to 10k .
No real drama on a port injected hybrid...of course not all are we know. Then 5-6k would be a good idea.

 

[The Critic]

I liked the Valvoline 0w16 when I ran it. I did a 10k OCI with it, and it was still very much golden, barely dark. Downside is, my Walmart doesn't carry it, only NAPA. It ends up being more expensive than TGMO for me, so I just run TGMO.

It is just over $3/qt when you buy direct from Valvoline during their various sales. Must buy in the 20 qt wine boxes and at least 2 boxes at a time.

 

[MurkyAsparagus]

What molybdenum compound is being used? Not all are the same. Some require a much larger dose rate than others to achieve the same benefit. Using a simple spectrographic analysis to predict the future performance of an oil is not possible.

From what I've gathered, TGMO still uses dimer compared to trimer, so it would need a much higher amount. The ~800 pmm dimer moly that TGMO uses should have the same wear resistance as a ~200 trimer moly that others may use. They seem to both be on the high end of the wear curve, where anymore moly does not yield lower wear.

 

[MurkyAsparagus]

It is just over $3/qt when you buy direct from Valvoline during their various sales. Must buy in the 20 qt wine boxes and at least 2 boxes at a time.

Interesting, I'll have to look into that. 40 qts would probably last me 4 years. I wonder what the shelf life would be.

 

[The Critic]

I wonder what the shelf life would be.

I have not seen an official statement from Valvoline but ExxonMobil has stated five years:

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants...-quarts#:~:text=Answer,1™ synthetic motor oil.

 

[kschachn]

From what I've gathered, TGMO still uses dimer compared to trimer, so it would need a much higher amount. The ~800 pmm dimer moly that TGMO uses should have the same wear resistance as a ~200 trimer moly that others may use. They seem to both be on the high end of the wear curve, where anymore moly does not yield lower wear.

Well there you go then. Where are you seeing an actual wear analysis for this specific oil? Or are you taking that from papers on the two compounds? Remember that’s for the isolated compound not a finished product.

Actual wear for a finished product is not really predictable without actual testing. As I’m sure you realize.

 

[MurkyAsparagus]

Well there you go then. Where are you seeing an actual wear analysis for this specific oil? Or are you taking that from papers on the two compounds? Remember that’s for the isolated compound not a finished product.

Actual wear for a finished product is not really predictable without actual testing. As I’m sure you realize.

I took the values from papers comparing DIMER vs TRIMER Moly wear. But, that doesn't tell the whole story. Comparing just the moly types won't predict wear in an oil sample. There's other elements that may be present that reduce friction, thus reducing wear. I'm sure you are aware of this.

At the end of the day, I don't think we can say one type of moly in an oil and another will yield the same or different wear amount. IMO, I think moly is good, even if it is a dimer at a lower concentration. But, you're right, we cannot tell without direct testing of two different types of oils.

I don't think these hybrid engines are going to care. They aren't picky and they will still probably outlive my great grandkids.

 

[Wiremanjon]

I am changing my hybrid oil every 5,000 miles and using the dealership to do the free ones. The engine in mine seems to take forever for the exhaust to burn off the water in the exhaust system. It will still emit the white vapor 20 miles down the interstate.

I noticed that on mine too. I would wait for the engine to warm up and occasionally do an Italian tuneup to keep things clean and the result is a huge cloud of water vapor. It was a bit scary to see the first few times as the engine only has 4000 miles on it now. 25 Camry.

 

[ATex7239]

The TGMO 0w16 has a gigantic shot of moly in its VOA. I would trust Toyota's engineers for hybrid systems and engines. I would check with your local dealer if they sell bulk 0w16. My dealer allows for me to bring in a 5qt jug and they will fill it for like $30, then I can grab an OEM filter for about $4.50. However, I still normally run a WIX filter. With these 2.5L engines, they don't really care about filters, they could be rock catchers and still last 500k.

Going to dealership with an empty container and filling it up bulk oil sounds like a whole lot of effort to me. Especially when there are 0W16 offers on the shelf for the same amount or less pretty much everywhere. Pennzoil and M1 0W16 are always stocked at my local WM. Like you said these engines aren’t particular so why the extra effort?

 

[MurkyAsparagus]

Going to dealership with an empty container and filling it up bulk oil sounds like a whole lot of effort to me. Especially when there are 0W16 offers on the shelf for the same amount or less pretty much everywhere. Pennzoil and M1 0W16 are always stocked at my local WM. Like you said these engines aren’t particular so why the extra effort?

I only live about 2 minutes from my local dealer. They’re pretty nice and usually throw a little extra in without charging me. Ends up being similar price to Walmart. Mine does carry the pennzoil, only M1. The Valvoline at my local NAPA is more expensive than the dealer for me. Dealer is actually closer than a Walmart.