Using GC, after 4800 miles some Q's

[Solo2driver]

Hello, this is an update after selling the Merkur (2.3 turbo) and now with the 94 Suzuki Swift GT 1.3 DOHC.

Bought the Suzuki on July 20th in Las Vegas, added CD2 Detergent to the prev owner's Castrol 30HD oil (religious 2K mile OCI since mile 1)...his oil had 3800 miles on it and was strangely "clean" even with an orange filter of death

When doing the first oil change, I used a Kerosene-based 5-minute cleaner...oil usually comes out black and thin (like on my wife's Saturn) after the flush, but it still came out light honey colored in the Suzuki.

Changed oil with GC 0w30 and a Mobil 1 filter...after a couple of weeks I'm at 4,800 miles. I only consumed about 1/2-qt of oil during that time, but the oil got pretty darn dark. Today I swapped out the oil filter for another, and topped off with about 3/4-qt of fresh GC 0w-30. Oh-- this is also after two autocross races (about 10 laps) and long highway commutes in fairly warm weather.

Is the darkening just the oil doing its job by cleaning out what I had stared to break loose with the flush/detergent, or does GC normally do this? Does GC have more "cleaning power" than M1? I've had plenty of experience in about 8 cars with M1, but this is my first GC use...I'm happy overall but a little bit of hydraulic lifter noise for my taste.

Comments? I know I want to do a used oil analysis, but I'm a little broke right now considering the new car and getting married recently hehe.

-JamesW
1994 Suzuki Swift GT DOHC

 

[SSDude]

GC meets most European standards and is cable of long drain intervals. It can go longer than 4,800 miles. I am on my second run of GC in my LS1 and plan to run it for 7,500 mile. It mostly likely it could go longer than this.

 

[Solo2driver]

So you don't mind using a 0w30 even in LA weather? I commute from San Diego to Riverside and often trips to Lancaster (high desert) in my Swift for work, and I've been screamed at more than once for "only" running 0w-30. I'm not concerned with lost mpg with a thicker oil (I'm getting nearly 40mpg now, with the a/c on!), just making the motor last with all of this driving and a full season next year of autocrossing (30 races at 6 laps each, multiple drivers).

-JamesW

 

[SSDude]

GC is a thick oil. It is almost a 40weight. It works fine in Los Angeles weather. One a week I drive into the Inland Empire in stop and go traffic. This resulted in very little wear.

 

[Solo2driver]

Excellent...that puts my mind at ease. I see so many recommendations for GC, but most people here are from the Cold White North or in other countries. This past week has been 107 in Riverside, and if you know the Inland Empire, it doen't exactly have the cleanest air hehe.

Thank you for your input.

-JW

 

[JohnnyG]

**** ! Why did you sell the Merkur? That was one of the most fun cars I've ever owned, and I have the scars to prove it! 1986 White/Grey w/double wing.

 

[Solo2driver]

Yes, but when gas in CA was $2.78 per gallon and I am driving 1600miles per week and just married, the numbers didn't add up.

Wholly agreed, the very best car I have ever owned (of 14) and I vow on my mother's future and eventual grave I will own and build another one!

-JamesW

 

[Geoff]

From what I hear the GC has significant synthetic esters, which are great at dissolving sludge. You flush can't get it all. Give it a few more changes and it should be fine.

 

[Flashlightboy]

Solo2,

Is that 1600 miles a week to get away from home because you're married or is it just work?

I drive less than that but I'm in the Inland Empire, the OC primarily, LA County, sometimes San Diego, High Desert and even Ventura county. I'm using GC and I don't have any qualms about using a 0W in our warm weather. Yesterday I took the Angeles Crest Highway from La Canada/Flintridge to Wrightwood in my Exploder just for the fun of a mountain drive. No qualms at all.

I'll bet your NOT doing 75 on I-15/215, are you?

 

[Stealth26]

Well if you southern California guys are doing OK with GC, I'm sure it'll be just as good up here in the Bay.

Hey Solo, I've been on M1 for the last 15k so I'll have to make sure to keep an eye out when I change out to GC in a month or so. Maybe I'll have the same results as you.

 

[Paul_l]

Another SoCal guy using GC. I live in Valencia in northern LA county which is inland and almost as hot as the IE. I have the GC in our Mazda 6s. Have posted a couple fine used oil analysis from the car on GC.

BTW, Solo2Driver if you ever want to get back into Merkurs let me know... I have two 87's right now, as well as an 87 parts car. Come to think of it, it seems that most guys who have them, all have more than one. The things are so cheap and fun that they seem to multiply on you