What do you conclude about a "loud" oil?
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Years ago using Mobil 1 in my 98 chevy K1500 with the 5.7L made the engine loud but I doubt there was any direct correlation to engine wear since people seem to have excellent luck with it. I just didn't like the noise so I quit using it but not because I didn't feel it wouldn't protect the engine.
I have a Colorado with a 5 cylinder engine which is kind of a noisy engine. It's not noisy because of a certain brand of oil. However, there are oils that make it run more quietly.
The engine is smooth and quite with FS Magnatec 5w30. I've used other oils and it noticeably ran rougher and made different noises. I'll continue using other oils if I find deals. I don't think the engine was less protected, just noisier.
The engine is smooth and quite with FS Magnatec 5w30. I've used other oils and it noticeably ran rougher and made different noises. I'll continue using other oils if I find deals. I don't think the engine was less protected, just noisier.
My 4.0 Tacoma sounds different depending on time of day, temperature, astrological cycle, and whether or not another idler pulley is going out.
It’s ironic that one of the most reliable engines actually sounds like it’s going to shake itself apart at any moment.
I’ve never noticed a difference in sound after an oil change to a different brand. It just goes tickTicktickticktixktixktixktixcttickticktick no matter what - and will likely continue ticking well past 300k miles regardless of what I put in it.
How many miles are on it? Ever have the valves checked and adjusted?
They should come up with some sort of sound measurement test.
I think it would be more relevant or beneficial to average consumer than LSPI. Something like API dB.
a 6 qt. container with x,y,z dimensions, material type, etc. and test at -20°C, 40C (dB40) and 100C (dB100) ...
or if the test is complex and/or expensive, just play Highway to Hell at one end and if you hear Hotel California at the other end, the oil passes the test.
I think it would be more relevant or beneficial to average consumer than LSPI. Something like API dB.
a 6 qt. container with x,y,z dimensions, material type, etc. and test at -20°C, 40C (dB40) and 100C (dB100) ...
or if the test is complex and/or expensive, just play Highway to Hell at one end and if you hear Hotel California at the other end, the oil passes the test.
4wd
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A better comparison that’s seldom made is what engines are louder than others … regardless of lubes …
Some of the DOHC chain gang engines are a rolling symphony …
Some of the DOHC chain gang engines are a rolling symphony …
IMO if an engine is loud with brand x oil, I'd switch to brand y. Loud, as in metal banging against metal is not good. I won't mention brands but I experienced louder oil several years back. Some people will say there is no damage being done, and it is just acoustics. I'd rather not hear the noise or debate if it is doing harm or not. Common sense tells me quieter is better.
My psychoacoustics would love to hear the estolides and capped OSP whatever the sound, but tomorrow's lube advisors for connoisseurs may be comprising equalizer knobs to brighten the party:
https://www.bizol.com/products/rese...detail&cHash=17b59011c7258d3cd711518b752623a7
https://www.bizol.com/products/rese...detail&cHash=17b59011c7258d3cd711518b752623a7
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
When I got my first Ecoboost and a DB meter I learned that Mobil 1 0w40 was quieter than PUP/Mobil 1 5w30.
However, my GM L83 V8 is even quieter than any oil in that Ford … and it’s running 0w20.
However, my GM L83 V8 is even quieter than any oil in that Ford … and it’s running 0w20.
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If you Google this topic, it's all over the place, it's not an isolated BITOG phenomenon.
My experience too. The Castrol EDGE Extended Performance I have in there now on the other hand, is very quiet.
I don’t think it means anything, but it’s something to keep in mind if you are getting ready to unload the buggy.
Loud oil saves lives.....or something like that.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Sure didn’t mean anything to my DB meter …
I was very skeptical about "loud" oil until I experienced it in one of my cars. I had been using Mobil 1 Euro 0-40, and began using Castrol Euro 0-40. Engine became noticeably quieter. Mechanic put in LiqueMoly 0-40 and it became quieter still. Just my experience in one car.
Now, I have an open mind about "loud" oils. Could be true in some cases.
Now, I have an open mind about "loud" oils. Could be true in some cases.
Our 2010 Tacoma work truck where I work sounds the same. Also changes in volume level like you said. Mostly sounds like fuel injectors but also some valve train and piston slap. Very rough, noisy engine compared to my 4.8 GM. Both will last forever though.
Personally I never noticed a difference in noise between brands. I only have one engine that is picky about oil and it just gets noisy valve train with thicker oil. 40s and 50 weights are noisy. 30 weights are quiet. Mobil 1 0w40 however is a thin 40 and makes zero noise so I settled on that for the higher zddp. It's a high mileage 350 Oldsmobile V8 with slightly low oil pressure.
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When I noticed different noise levels when I changed oil brands I could probably pass it off as just my imagination. It came as a surprise to me that idling noise level with a change in an oil brand could make a difference. I don't know if this makes any change in engine longevity. Probably it doesn't, but I like it quieter so I'll use the one with less sound levels.
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