Bill, what is your advice on the use of MOBIL 1 , 0W-40 in our VQ30 or 35 engines?

 

bill99gxe, What do you think about this oil? Bump.

 

It's an appealing oil. It has to pass the European oil shear standards and is formulated for use in European cars, which usually exact more stresses on an engine than American cars/driving styles. The 5W/30 SuperSyn formulation already has a good showing analysis wise.

The only concerns are:

- The viscosity spread (0 to 40 weight) and how that effects its interval length.

- Using a 40 weight oil in the VQ.

Both concerns are tepid at best. I'd like to see some members who actually could benefit from a thicker oil (i.e. Arizona, South Florida, N'oleans, etc.) use and analyze this oil.

 

Isn't the first number (this case 0) how the oil acts cold (startup), and the second is how it acts warm? If this is true, then wouldn't those of us in the south (Louisiana for me) need something more along the lines of 10w30 or possibly 10w40? I'm referencing Blackstone Labs newsletter here: http://www.blackstone-labs.com/newsletter.html

In my case, my lower end is showing wear (lead-possibly from bearings), while my upper end is fine. I use 5w30 exclusively because that is what Nissan recommends for all ambient temps. However, according to the Blackstone newsletter, too thin of an oil will cause more lower end wear, and too thick will cause upper end wear. I will be going with a 10w30 on my next change (which is appropriate for my ambient temp range, but Nissan recommends 5w30 for all conditions. I do not need an oil to flow at -65 degrees F, but do need protection in the triple digits). If what Blackstone says is true about heavier oils having more bearing film, then my lower end should be better protected, and my lead should decrease. One main concern for me (may be a moot point, I don't know) is that most of my driving is short city trips. What do you think?

Personally, based off the information I've read, I would stay away from a 0w30 oil for my conditions atleast (hot, hot, hot weather). However, it may be very appropriate for those living in Ohio, North Dakota, or Canada in the winter. I think the rush to lighter oils by manufacturers may be less about protection, but more in the pursuit of meeting federal gas mileage mandates. What do you all think?

Dave

 

It all depends on which 0W/30 you are referencing.


For instance, I exclusively use 0W/30 Series 2000 Amsoil because of its resistance to shear and excellent collaborative oil analysis results I've seen with it. I've yet to see any abnormal wear in this particular oil. It's additive package is among the best out there.

As for Mobil's 0W/40, the rigorous European HTHS tests it must pass tell me it's up to the task. The analyses reports I've seen have been good, but I can say the same about Mobil's entire SuperSyn line.

There's nothing inaccurate about Blackstone's contentions. The main issue I have with their statements are acting like all xW/XX oils are all the same within a viscosity. That's simply not the case. Some x@/30 oils like Valvoline shear down to a 20-weight oil within 1,000 miles while other oils remain strong after many thousands of miles. How a particular oil behaves in an environment with its specific additive package is just as important as the viscosity selection.

Dave, your only high reading was iron, with lead easily explained away with your use of an octane booster. And the iron wasn't that abnormally high. I see nothing wrong with your going to a 10W/30 viscosity.


The current xW/20 craze is about nothing but meeting CAFE fuel economy standards at the expense of long-term wear protection of the engine. The good news for the manufacturers is oils have improved and are much more stable than in the past so any such engine issues would not occur until after warranties are up.

 

Bill , I live in TN also and just changed to Mobil 1, 0W-40 from Mobil 1, 5W-30.