Oil thread

[doradox]

I use a good quality "regular" oil in my cars. I have owned several cars that have seen well over 200,000 miles and still ran well. My current car has 225,000 mile and runs just fine. I chalk this up to changing the oil on a regular basis (3000 miles), keeping filters clean, not overheating or running low on oil, using the choke sparingly on those cars that did/do have one, not sitting and "warming up" the engine but driving moderately within a few seconds of startup which warms the engine more quickly, and not stomping the pedal until the engine is fully warmed up. I drive my cars in a spirited manner with regular full throttle blasts. Personally I think we're splitting hairs here when it comes to oil selection as I believe there are many other factors more important to engine life than what oil is used. But since I haven't done any side by side long term testing this is all just anecdotal. In other words, I can't say " I'm sure if I hadn't used (insert whatever special oil, product, or procedure) that my car wouldn't have lasted as long".

Steve

[gotswap]

This has gone a little off from what my intial question was, I am not as concerned with the engine oil as I am with the differential and transmission. I have my own opinions about engine oil and these can be long and drawn out conversations with many varying opinions.

I will bounce all the recommendations for the diff and trans off my shop manuals and go from there.

Thanks!!!

[240kconvertible]

Thanks for the disclaimer, I will keep it in mind. I have used full synthetic oil in all of my cars for years, and have personally observed the difference in engine wear between synthetic and "normal" oil. I tend to agree that for people who live in very warm climates there may not be much benefit, but here in the great white North there is a difference.

I have owned a lot of cars, and have used both types of oil. I am convinced.

But thanks for your input.

Don't get me wrong, I stand by what I say, but it is just info from a American Multi National Corporation. You say you've used both types or oil, are these Full synthetic and Mineral based? as your missing semis synthetics in between.

Most new cars will require a full synthetic oil but it you were to put full synthetic oils in a lot of older cars they would chew through it. I know this as a fact as I have to be careful when quoting new workshops to find out the most common types of cars they are servicing and what best oil it would be for then to use in bulk in the workshop.

As for '"As of Jan. 04 the gov't has mandated complete elimination of the critical anti-wear additive package (zinc/phosphorus) from all "SM" rated (street legal) motor oils" this mustn't have happened in Australia yet as you can get Valvoline Synpower with ZDDP in the oil of the counter at most parts shops.

[240kconvertible]

This has gone a little off from what my intial question was, I am not as concerned with the engine oil as I am with the differential and transmission. I have my own opinions about engine oil and these can be long and drawn out conversations with many varying opinions.

I will bounce all the recommendations for the diff and trans off my shop manuals and go from there.

Thanks!!!

Put a semi synthetic 75w 85 in the gearbox and also the diff if it's not LSD, if the diff is LSD put LSD90w in it. If your going to drive your car hard use a semi synthetic 75w 90 or full synthetic 75w 90 in gearbox and diff. The diff and trans shops will tell you the same.

Cheers Andrew