Oil Change time, would like some thoughts

Old Apr 25, 2012 | 07:41 AM
  #11  
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years ago when tolerances inside engines were greater, the oil changes were scheduled for 7500 miles and oil was not as good as it is today nor were the filters

somehow, someplace the interval became 3,000 miles with actually no real reason but severe driving,(lots of idling in the city) requires frequent oil changes because it's hours on the engine, not miles (we just use the odometer but an hour meter would be better)

I can only use anecdotal information about myself and I've changed oil religiously every 5k miles and use everything from walmart oil to castrol. Synthetic only when racing and also marine engines because they tend to be run at higher rpm's

how many miles have I been doing this? Why over 2 million on gasoline engines and not 1 lick of trouble

so, take it as you may. There is marketing and there is reality. marketing from oil companies will tell you every 3k..............I wonder why.

Oh, I actualy disagree with 69 about his "definition" of "severe"

at the end of the day, you will continue to receive opinions as well as anecdotal information like mine. I will continue to use conventional oil every 5k miles and will be fine. You can do what you wish. I know some people want to use synthetic just to say they are. It's as if they think it's a badge of honor. What ever your driving motivator is it's you who must be comfortable with what you do. When you get up to 5-6 registered vehicles you begin to question the rationale of synthetic and cost/benefit.
 
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 09:29 AM
  #12  
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Synthetic oil lasts a lot longer than conventional before it breaks down. That's why I prefer it, not for any feel good reason. So if you're fine with 5k changes with conventional, you can go longer with synthetic. That's part of the issue when one is so used to a set schedule with conventional oil, it can be hard to change your mindset to realize you can go longer with synthetic. You can disagree about what is considered "severe", but it's all apples to apples between the two oils. What's severe to one is severe to the other, but synthetic can handle it better and longer. Math doesn't lie, in the long analysis synthetic is cheaper to use.
 

Last edited by Camaro 69; Apr 25, 2012 at 09:32 AM.
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 01:09 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Camaro 69
Synthetic oil lasts a lot longer than conventional before it breaks down. That's why I prefer it, not for any feel good reason. So if you're fine with 5k changes with conventional, you can go longer with synthetic. That's part of the issue when one is so used to a set schedule with conventional oil, it can be hard to change your mindset to realize you can go longer with synthetic. You can disagree about what is considered "severe", but it's all apples to apples between the two oils. What's severe to one is severe to the other, but synthetic can handle it better and longer. Math doesn't lie, in the long analysis synthetic is cheaper to use.
thus why I use synthetic in marine applications. The engine is run harder and it's a bear to change the oil and filter. I don't have a 50 plus footer with good engine access.
 
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 03:56 PM
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fellow i got the crabber from set up a used hydrolic pump and a washing machine motor with hose from the pan to hook into the pump. worked 15 years for him and almost 20 for me now. motor has been froze up from getting wet a couple times and still goes at it. had to take it apart clean and oil a few times.
 
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 04:02 PM
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Please don't give t.i.g. any ideas!
 
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 04:26 PM
  #16  
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I only move my car 5000 KM per year and I put oil that is valid for 7000 KM.
can I use Liqui Moly 20 000 KM and keep it for 4 years or 2 years?
or changing must be annual?
and any one heard about the ceratec product?
what is the best thing we can add for high millage engines? MSO2?
 

Last edited by androzer; Apr 25, 2012 at 04:29 PM.
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 05:39 PM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by craby
fellow i got the crabber from
SO THATS WHERE YOU GOT YOUR NAME FROM! The color of your car.

I always wondered about that. You always respond very helpfully and respectfully so I wondered why they call you Craby.
 
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 05:45 PM
  #18  
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Did you know the owner's manual for a C5 Corvette recommends an oil change every 7,500 miles using Mobile 1 5w-30?

A BMW Z4 has an oil change interval of every 12,000 miles using a Synthetic European formula Castrol blend.

Since these folks are worried about engine reliability and not selling motor oil, I tend to think that an oil change every 3000 miles may be a marketing thing. I also think it proves that a high quality oil filter can last that long also.
 
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 05:46 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by craby
fellow i got the crabber from set up a used hydrolic pump and a washing machine motor with hose from the pan to hook into the pump. worked 15 years for him and almost 20 for me now. motor has been froze up from getting wet a couple times and still goes at it. had to take it apart clean and oil a few times.
I've tried the hand pumps, the pump you spin with a drill and they all suck.......well, they didn't really suck and that's the issue. It's an I/O in a 25 foot mid-cabin so you know what the engine bay is like (4th gens have more room)

Soooooo, I go with synthetic oil and let the experts deal with it when I haul it each year for maintenance.
 
Old Apr 25, 2012 | 05:46 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by DashingDaryl
SO THATS WHERE YOU GOT YOUR NAME FROM! The color of your car.
I always wondered about that. You always respond very helpfully and respectfully so I wondered why they call you Craby.
lol....he's a crab fisherman.....or would that be crab crabberman?
 

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