Switched to Amsoil - engine sluggish

[Pablo]

1996 Volvo 850 NA 2.5L I5

I went from 10W-30 ACD (UOA in transit tomorrow), to Amsoil 15W-40 AME. For the first time in my life I noticed something with an oil change....sluggish is a strong headline word, but the engine simply does not rev as freely when cool and warming up. I have run Amsoil 5W-40 and 10W-40 with no problem noticed - even in the dead of winter. I can not even imagine the engine with conventional 15W-40, especially in winter!

This fall I'm changing it out. Boy do I feel like Buster (just kidding). I got the oil (2.5 gallon) for under $8 (don't ask). Supposed to get into the 90°F+ range this week, so maybe it will become less noticeable........

 

[VeeDubb]

When I go to a heavier oil in my VW, I definitely notice more sluggish turbo response. But in my Volvo 850 turbo, I don't recall ever noticing any differences because of oil brand or weight.

 

[Pablo]

Well the NA is so underpowered.....the interesting thing is that I ran AME in my Volvo turbo for years and didn't notice a thing vs. other oils.

 

[TimVipond]

If it is that sensitive, go for 0W30! Varoommm!

 

[coffee]

I have learned a lot about oil for my Volvos and I can tell you that Rotella T Synthetic 5w40 is the way to go. It is the best, cost-effective choice and it took me a while to be convinced but I am a believer and user now year around.

 

[Merkava_4]

Post deleted by Merkava_4

 

[Pablo]

I'm thinking 0W-20 winter and 10W-30 summer. No way would I run Rotella. ACD is just better anyway.

 

[benjamming]

So you didn't actually switch to AMSOIL from another oil, but switched within AMSOIL. I couldn't believe you were starting a thread where you had 1) been running a vehicle w/o AMSOIL, and 2) were posting about the detrimental (what?!)affects of the change.

 

[Camu Mahubah]

I think he used the post title to bring in the cows you know he baited us... ah well I saw it and took the bait because I just installed Amsoil in my car... by the way the car runs smooth and no sluggishness,,,

 

[Shannow]

Pablo, I know what you mean. I switched from 15W-40 to 25W-70 in my old J-Car in the dead of winter.

Lost 10% fuel economy, and the car felt strangled.

 

[Johnny]

Quote:

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I'm thinking 0W-20 winter and 10W-30 summer. No way would I run Rotella. ACD is just better anyway.

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Why not just stay with what has worked for you. It does not get that cold where your at. How many miles on that Volvo now?

Now don't make me send you back to "Lubrication 101"

 

[levi]

Quote:

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I'm thinking 0W-20 winter and 10W-30 summer. No way would I run Rotella. ACD is just better anyway.

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Just curious, why not Rotella?

*

 

[Pablo]

You guys are right - but I wanted to be buster so bad.

A couple more things (no one analyzed this) the engine is slightly overfilled, 1/8" over the full mark. And honestly "sluggishness" is barely noticeable

I will be going back to what works, if the UOA comes in great.

 

[buster]

Quote:

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No way would I run Rotella. ACD is just better anyway.

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On a $ per mile basis, I wouldn't knock Rotella. Under 10k miles I doubt you would see any difference with Amsoil.

Pablo, the more oils you try in different engines the more you notice these little things. In this case though the 15w-40 is just too thick. GC in the Accord was the worst. Engine was versy sluggish.

 

[Shannow]

Pablo, for an experiment (and you won't break anything), throw in some 20W-50, or the thickest you can get...butt dyno doesn't tell fibs when you push the extreme ends of the envelope.

 

[Pablo]

I'm not knocking Rotella, I'm just saying I won't run it.