Your GM 3.8 engine is extremely durable. I wouldn't worry about it not lasting. Definitely make sure the plastic coolant elbows are replaced with good metal ones before they crack. The 4 speed automatic transmissions bolted to the 3.8's can be a bit problematic. I'd focus on transmission maintenance and rust prevention for your Lesabre.
Synthetic Blend Oil
- Thread starter danjak26
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to me is it worth using a syn. blend, as cost is very close to the many synthetic oils (Valvoline EP ,Pennzoil Platinum etc) , at say Walmart. and you may have better benefits, a 5w-30 and or a high milage synthetic formula would be a good choice. most people when they get a cup of coffee etc seem to not notice the price but complain over a $7 dollar oil price difference.
Yes, but whenever someone around here gives the "it doesn't cost much" argument for shorter OCI they often get a blast from the boutique / long OCI guys there being wasteful?
As always "worth it" is in the eyes of the beholder. I have never suffered a oil related engine failure on Conventional / semi syn following manufacturers OCI suggestion. I am no chemist but with an engine design that doesn't have any shortcomings I wonder if a cheap synthetic is really any better than a conventional from someone like Chevron or Valvoline?
As always, YMMV and Caveat Emptor.
No issue with blends in the right application. I’d throw 5w-30 blend from any major brand in our high mileage Honda or Hyundai and not even think twice about it.
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Hyundai has way more serious issues than the oil.
For sure. My daughter’s little 1.8L with 222K miles keeps on going though.
Not sure why they even still make synthetic blends. But I guess this is why.
3.8 Gm engines are not picky at all. Run a good 5W30 either conventional, semi or full and it will run until rapture. Just keep an eye on the lower intake manifolds and the coolant elbows and you'll have a engine that will outlive us and BITOG.
3.8 Gm engines are not picky at all. Run a good 5W30 either conventional, semi or full and it will run until rapture. Just keep an eye on the lower intake manifolds and the coolant elbows and you'll have a engine that will outlive us and BITOG.
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Been reading for years, but yes.Is that your analysis based on your 5 months here?
The old Gamma and Nu engines were rock solid by most accounts. The Theta 2 was the true problem child. I don't know much about the new Smartstream engine, but you would think around here we would know if it were a problem?
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A technician that I know is almost like clockwork getting a Hyundai with an serious engine issue in monthly. I'd never gamble with it myself.
Ask him which ones? I and others here would be interested.
I don't own one and probably won't, but I think there reputation is based on the Theta 2 - and that reputation is deserved - it is a terrible engine. Lots of older designs around with happy owners however.
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Ask him which ones? I and others here would be interested.
I don't own one and probably won't, but I think there reputation is based on the Theta 2 - and that reputation is deserved - it is a terrible engine. Lots of older designs around with happy owners however.
I'll make sure to ask him next time I see him.
Patman
Staff member
The problem with synthetic blend is that it’s really not that much cheaper than a full synthetic. With rebates you can probably get full synthetic for less. And as much as I’m not a big fan of Kirkland/Supertech synthetic, they are cheaper than a blend, I’d run those over a blend anytime (with the exception of Amsoil’s blend)
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Chevron Supreme can occasionally be found on sale between $0.99 - $1.99 in individual qt containers. Has a really good add pack. Solid oil. Not great buy when seen at $6-8/qt though. Sale prices more than justify it though.
Do Kirkland/Supertech have full synthetic 10W-40?
OP asking for 10W-40 full synth.
Patman
Staff member
I’m just speaking about blends in general here
I fully support the idea of using a syn-blend in a 3800 (great engine! I still miss mine!) but I'd just think about what you're trying to solve by using a 10w40 vs. a 10w30 (which is what GM called for until they switched to 5w30 in 2003ish), unless it's burning a lot of oil or something. I imagine that your 3800 would be incredibly happy on a steady diet of Maxlife 10w30 or something like that (maybe Chevron Supreme, Mobil Super, Pennzoil conventional, or similar). Any legitimate oil today is likely to be leagues better than what the 3800 was designed for, and your interval is conservative.
Just did a search on Walmarts app for “10w-40” and the Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w40 is only $7 more per jug than the other name brand synth blends. $7 an OCI is the difference of an extra coffee over the course of an OCI. I’d just spring for the Mobil 1 High Mileage and call it a day if it were me.
Who am I kidding? If it really were me, this would be my choice.
Who am I kidding? If it really were me, this would be my choice.