What Oil??

[rd]

My 1994 s10 Blazer with 120k 4.3L had been making a lot of start up noise when cold. knock etc. Very quiet when warm.
on recommendation from this forum I put in 10-30 GTX dino
startup noise when cold is much less but now its going to get really cold here in ND and I am soon due for an oil change. Do I keep the 10-30 GTX or go for 5-30 for the rest of winter?
Thanks

 

[94supraonchrome]

5-30

 

[demarpaint]

The 5w30 is going to flow better than the 10w30 is when it gets very cold in ND. If you can justify the additional cost of a synthetic 5w30 I'd run that. Pennzoil Platinum would be my choice.

JMO,
Frank D

 

[addyguy]

5w30, definetly! You want a lower 'W' number to help with cold starts!

If you like Castrol, and are willing to spring for synthetic oil, might want to look into Castrol Syntec 0w30 (AKA 'GC')...will definetly help even more with cold starts.

 

[demarpaint]

0W-30 would be a great choice as well, just make sure your Blazer doesn't leak. The 0W-xx oils have a way of finding their way out of a leaky engine.

Frank D

 

[hate2work]

North Dakota? Man, you might even consider one of the 0W oils.

Definitely go synthetic, maybe even an exotic like Amsoil or Schaeffers if you can find some. Otherwise PP or Synpower would work.

Years ago I met an old man who lived his entire life in a little town called Rugby, who had been telling me of the harsh winters and hot summers. I asked him "How did you end up settling and staying in North Dakota?"

He said "It wasn't my choice. This is where the wagon train broke down."

 

[coffee]

0w30 for sure but if you cannot get it then Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 may be a good choice.

 

[Johnny]

I've been to ND in the dead of winter and I ain't going back. I always thought winters in WI were bad until I spent a weekend in Fargo.

 

[kingrob]

Not an enjoyable place to be in the dead of winter, that's for sure.

I would recommend a good synthetic blend, because realistically your truck is getting old, and that vintage of Blazer didn't have the best seals and gasketing material. If you jump straight into the synthetic world be prepared for leaks.

I believe the 10w30 is probably too thick for that climate this time of year. I would look into a 5w30, probably Motorcraft.

 

[Johnny]

Yep, that would be another good oil to use.

 

[Smokescreen]

Quaker State Winter blend 5w30. In the summer, Pennzoil 5w30 conventional