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Switchin grades of oil Winter/Summer ?

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Old 10-10-2005, 11:22 AM
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switching brands of oil ?

Is it ok if i switch from castrol gtx10w-30 to mobil 10w-30? 98K on the engine.
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Old 10-10-2005, 11:38 AM
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You should be using 5w30 oil in New Jersey winters. Stick with Castrol GTX 5w30. You can switch dino oils all you want.
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Old 10-10-2005, 04:40 PM
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yea u can switch as often as you like, although the GTX is a better oil from what i know, although the new mobil might be an inprovment over the old.
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Old 10-11-2005, 12:16 PM
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Switchin grades of oil Winter/Summer ?

I just put castrol GTX 5w-30 in today, and i previosuly had 10w-30 in... i switch oils when the temp. changes .. Is this a smart thing to do? And what do you guys think about the Castrol GTX high mileage oil? I have 98K, would that be bad to start using ?
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Old 10-11-2005, 02:01 PM
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Please explain in technical terms why you think switching to 5w from a 10w in the winter when both weights are listed in the owner's manual as recommended? You are actually doing what the manual says is acceptable. You did read the manual right?

Edit: What am I saying? Of course you didn't
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Old 10-11-2005, 05:54 PM
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I see you live in NJ....its highly recommended to run 5w-30 ALL YEAR around....and let me explain...the owners manual states that 5w-30 can be used in this temperature...and 10w-30 can be used in that temperature (sorry I forgot the exact degrees)....but anyway I know it DOES say 10w-30 is only good until 0 degrees F...I know it does get below 0 degrees F sometimes in the mornings....5w is highly recommended over 10w in those temperatures....when summer comes around, the 30 weight will still do its job to protect the engine....so theres no need to keep switching grades....5w-30 covers ALOT of temperatures
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Old 10-11-2005, 06:48 PM
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I use 5w30 year round (Castrol GTX most of the time). Rather than go the 10w30 route, I am switching to Esso XD3 Extra, 0w30, PAO, full synthetic year round. The coldest it gets here is about 14 Fahrenheit (-10 Celsius). I have never used 10w30 in the Maxima.
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Old 10-11-2005, 10:00 PM
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thanx........ and i did read the manual, but just makin sure
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Old 10-12-2005, 06:21 AM
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I run 5W-30 but will be switching to 5.5W-30 next summer. I heard it adds HP y0!












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Old 10-12-2005, 09:32 AM
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You do know that synthetics flow very well at low temps. So going to the trouble of running a 0w is almost useless unless you live at the north pole.

Originally Posted by Bobo
I use 5w30 year round (Castrol GTX most of the time). Rather than go the 10w30 route, I am switching to Esso XD3 Extra, 0w30, PAO, full synthetic year round. The coldest it gets here is about 14 Fahrenheit (-10 Celsius). I have never used 10w30 in the Maxima.
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Old 10-12-2005, 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Jeff92se
You do know that synthetics flow very well at low temps. So going to the trouble of running a 0w is almost useless unless you live at the north pole.
At 1/3 to 40% less cost than Mobil 1 5w30 I'll take my chances and defer to the wisdom of the members of BITOG who south of the 49th parallel are clambering to buy Esso XD3.

You should try it sometime before ruling it out of hand. At operating temperature it is a thicker 30 weight than Mobil 1, shows excellent VOA and UOA readings and lends itself to longer OCIs as a result of lower oxidation and improved sheer capability.
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Old 10-12-2005, 10:45 AM
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I just saying, going to a 0w for flow reasons is unnecessary. And how would I determine this oil would be doing xx% better than just dino Castrol GTX at 3k intervals?
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Old 10-12-2005, 11:20 AM
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actually, some of the 0W oils are actually thicker than 5W oils in cold weather. i don't know about Esso XD3, but german castrol 0W30 is thicker than M1 5W30 all the way down to -20C. I think the 0W rating comes into play at much colder temperatures.

personally, I'd rather have the oil as thin as possible for cold starts - it will still be thicker than normal operating viscosity, will flow better during warm up, and close the filter's BPV sooner, etc.
 
Old 10-12-2005, 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Jeff92se
I just saying, going to a 0w for flow reasons is unnecessary. And how would I determine this oil would be doing xx% better than just dino Castrol GTX at 3k intervals?
I'm not going to a 0w30 for flow reasons. I am just interested in trying synthetic for the first time and everything I read on BITOG suggests that the Esso XD3, 0w30 is the best bang for the buck synthetic on the market. They also have 0w40, but I'm not going that route.

We have had this discussion concerning Castrol GTX before.

The XD3 is not an energy-conserving oil and if I find that my fuel economy is being compromised with it (although reports I've read don't state any adverse effects), I will not use it again.

I have sold 5 litres of my XD3 stash to a fellow .orger and only have 7 litres in inventory and will give it a whirl, but not likely until early January the way I'm going as it will take me that long to complete my AutoRX rinse phase.

The XD3 only cost me about Cdn$1.00 -1.20, plus tax, more per litre than Castrol GTX 5w30, given the high cost of engine oil in British Columbia. I guess I could buy the GTX by the case at Costco which would widen the price differential between the two oils, but it would still be less than Cdn$2 per litre more.
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Old 10-12-2005, 11:23 AM
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Can I get this in the States?
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Old 10-12-2005, 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by sky jumper
actually, some of the 0W oils are actually thicker than 5W oils in cold weather. i don't know about Esso XD3, but german castrol 0W30 is thicker than M1 5W30 all the way down to -20C. I think the 0W rating comes into play at much colder temperatures.

personally, I'd rather have the oil as thin as possible for cold starts - it will still be thicker than normal operating viscosity, will flow better during warm up, and close the filter's BPV sooner, etc.
You may well be a candidate for XD3 given the Chicago winters.
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Old 10-12-2005, 11:25 AM
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yeah. I wish I could get it here!
 
Old 10-12-2005, 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Jeff92se
Can I get this in the States?
I believe the XD3 is available in Walmart in 4 litre/quart jugs, but only in 0w40, not 0w30. The only place you can buy it in Canada is through an Esso bulk plant. I had to get mine shipped in from Edmonton.


I got mine in Burnaby in July for Cdn$4.28 per litre plus tax. The price has risen modestly since then.

I might go down to Bellingham to check out some auto stuff that I can't get locally and would be prepared to meet you with a delivery of a few litres, but certainly not a case of 12 litres.
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Old 10-12-2005, 11:32 AM
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0w-40 is a rather LARGE viscosity range. Even for a synthetic.
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Old 10-12-2005, 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeff92se
0w-40 is a rather LARGE viscosity range. Even for a synthetic.
You must remember that this is a motor oil designed for diesel engine applications, but it is also rated for gasoline engines.

In the Great White North, once you are away from moderate coastal climatic conditions, the temperature can vary quite widely.

For example, in Princeton where you went last summer, the temperature can range from a high of 105 Fahrenheit (or more) to a low of about - 20 Fahrenheit.

Further north it can get down to -40 Fahrenheit and lower, without the wind chill.
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Old 10-12-2005, 12:38 PM
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Okay. But how does this change the fact this 0w40 is a rather large viscosity range? And that large ranges aren't really recommended?

All you are saying is that these guys HAVE to run those viscosities. It doesn't say whether is a good or bad thing. And since, I don't have nearly the temp changes, I'd like to know. Because I actually have choices. Unlike these other fellas I assume.

Originally Posted by Bobo
You must remember that this is a motor oil designed for diesel engine applications, but it is also rated for gasoline engines.

In the Great White North, once you are away from moderate coastal climatic conditions, the temperature can vary quite widely.

For example, in Princeton where you went last summer, the temperature can range from a high of 105 Fahrenheit (or more) to a low of about - 20 Fahrenheit.

Further north it can get down to -40 Fahrenheit and lower, without the wind chill.
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Old 10-12-2005, 01:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeff92se
Okay. But how does this change the fact this 0w40 is a rather large viscosity range? And that large ranges aren't really recommended?

All you are saying is that these guys HAVE to run those viscosities. It doesn't say whether is a good or bad thing. And since, I don't have nearly the temp changes, I'd like to know. Because I actually have choices. Unlike these other fellas I assume.
I don't know how we got off on this tangent. I in no way have endorsed Esso XD3 Extra, 0w40, synthetic oil for use in a VQ30DE engine.

Large ranges may not be recommended for a VQ30DE, but they must have certain applications.

If you want to educate yourself on the product go to www.imperialoil.com
Go to Products & Services, go to Lubricants & Specialties, pull up the Product Data Sheet under Esso Lubricants and read to your heart's content.

I am not an engineer or a chemist.

Enjoy!
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Old 10-12-2005, 01:09 PM
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The 0w40 might be the only type available.

From what I read, large ranges aren't really recommended period. Or is that incorrect? I thought large viscosity ranges in oil require larger amounts of viscosity modifiers in order to make the oil act like a 0 or 30 or 40 etc..? Larger the range the more additives. Additives that tend to wear are. More additives, more additives that wear out.

Is my thinking incorrrect?
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Old 10-12-2005, 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeff92se
The 0w40 might be the only type available.

From what I read, large ranges aren't really recommended period. Or is that incorrect? I thought large viscosity ranges in oil require larger amounts of viscosity modifiers in order to make the oil act like a 0 or 30 or 40 etc..? Larger the range the more additives. Additives that tend to wear are. More additives, more additives that wear out.

Is my thinking incorrrect?
Far be it for me to question your thinking. If you want to pursue this further phone 1-800-268-3183 and speak to one of Imperial Oil's highly skilled personnel trained in lubricating principles. Perhaps they could address your concern satisfactorily as I am unable to do so and could care less.
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Old 10-12-2005, 01:24 PM
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Naw I got my answers here. Synthetics excluded but I'd still shy away from large viscosity ranges if possible.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motoroil.html#viscosity

Isn't this your favorite site???

Originally Posted by Bobo
Far be it for me to question your thinking. If you want to pursue this further phone 1-800-268-3183 and speak to one of Imperial Oil's highly skilled personnel trained in lubricating principles. Perhaps they could address your concern satisfactorily as I am unable to do so and could care less.
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Old 10-12-2005, 01:36 PM
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Alas, the 6th Gen Forum is my favorite site but for some reason I'm persona non grata there, lol!
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Old 10-12-2005, 01:40 PM
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They don't like you on the oil site either

Originally Posted by Bobo
Alas, the 6th Gen Forum is my favorite site but for some reason I'm persona non grata there, lol!
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Old 10-12-2005, 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeff92se
They don't like you on the oil site either
Au contraire! That is a very un-moderator like comment to make and can be construed as libelous.

I've never had a run-in or confrontation with anyone there. On average, the members are a reasonable, mature lot whose modus operandi in life is not one upmanship.
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Old 10-12-2005, 01:48 PM
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You sure don't research on that site very well for it being your mosted favoritest site.

Originally Posted by Bobo
Au contraire! That is a very un-moderator like comment to make and can be construed as libelous.

I've never had a run-in or confrontation with anyone there. On average, the members are a reasonable, mature lot whose modus operandi in life is not one upmanship.
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Old 10-12-2005, 01:56 PM
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I only research what I'm interested in and 0w40 is not one of my interests.

However, the knowledge that Esso XD3 0w30 and 0w40 has an excellent additive package is all the comfort I need.

In fact, Olympic a fellow BITOGER, ran XD3 0W30 in his taxi fleet last winter in Saskatchewan some 40,000 km (25,000 miles) over the course of 3 or 4 months on one taxi without an oil change and the UOA came back with excellent results. The last I heard he was considering extending his next OCI to 80,000 km.

I guess I am the fresh meat of the day, lol!
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Old 10-12-2005, 02:08 PM
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0w40 might be my only choice. Since you are mr. esso and mr bobsoilguy site man, I thought you would actually have some info on this particular oil. As usual, it looks like I have to research it myself. Everyone for themselves!

Originally Posted by Bobo
I only research what I'm interested in and 0w40 is not one of my interests.

However, the knowledge that Esso XD3 0w30 and 0w40 has an excellent additive package is all the comfort I need.

In fact, Olympic a fellow BITOGER, ran XD3 0W30 in his taxi fleet last winter in Saskatchewan some 40,000 km (25,000 miles) over the course of 3 or 4 months on one taxi without an oil change and the UOA came back with excellent results. The last I heard he was considering extending his next OCI to 80,000 km.

I guess I am the fresh meat of the day, lol!
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Old 10-12-2005, 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeff92se
0w40 might be my only choice. Since you are mr. esso and mr bobsoilguy site man, I thought you would actually have some info on this particular oil. As usual, it looks like I have to research it myself. Everyone for themselves!
I offered to get you some 0w30 in the interests of perhaps you standing up for me and not getting me banned, but you didn't rise to the bait, lol!

Drats! At least you could tell one of your fellow mods that I'm in fact a really nice guy and an asset to the website.
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Old 10-12-2005, 02:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Bobo
I offered to get you some 0w30 in the interests of perhaps you standing up for me and not getting me banned, but you didn't rise to the bait, lol!
This goes back to the other question I had regarding how to exactly determine if switching to this oil vs the existing castrol would help or not.
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Old 10-12-2005, 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Jeff92se
This goes back to the other question I had regarding how to exactly determine if switching to this oil vs the existing castrol would help or not.
Castrol GTX seems to be one of the most if not the most preferred dino oil on the .org for whatever reason. I see on BITOG that many members prefer Havoline and Chevron Supreme oil over Castrol for various reasons with cost not being foremost.

Esso claims (and a host of BITOGERs concur) that XD3 provides reduced engine wear and viscosity control, bearing protection by controlling lead wear, reduced oil consumption from improved engine deposit control, and control of soot induced viscosity thickening from a potent dispersant package.

To delve further into the characteristics of the oil, refer to the Product Data Sheet I referred to previously.

I may not need a 0w30 oil in greater Vancouver weather, nor do you need a 0w40 oil in Seattle weather. I would stick with the 5w30 or come on up and get some 0w30 XD3.
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Old 10-12-2005, 04:56 PM
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Actually, I am Bob, the oil guy......but lets keep this on the down low

Anyway, 0w-40 may be too big, it may not, in a dino i would say it would be too bit (too many VI's) but that is a different story in a synthetic, I personally have considered, and will continue to consider a few different ideas for my oil:
-Find Me some GC
-Stick with m1-5-30(the 5w is actually thicker at operating temp than the 10w)
-Get me some XD-3
-Try M1 Truck and SUV 5-40 (mabye not now but in a few years and a few hundred thousand miles...)


And many other ideas, all are good routes.

We fight too much here
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Old 10-12-2005, 07:42 PM
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Here in South Florida I run 15W-40 in the winter and 20W-50 in the summer (per European VQ30 viscosity recommendations).

The Europeans are more concerned with wear (and don't have to deal with CAFE standards) so they recommend higher viscosities.

Nissan USA says 5W-30 so they don't penalized due to CAFE regs.

Food for thought...

Take a peek at a European VQ30 manual sometime, it may surprise you
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Old 10-12-2005, 08:20 PM
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That viscosity may work for you in South Florida, but I wouldn't try it in a VQ engine in a Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota etc. etc. winter.

What is your fuel economy like running that type of oil?
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Old 10-14-2005, 07:56 AM
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When I was previously using 10W-30 here in Florida, I was getting mixed cycle 20-22 mpg.

Now I use 20W-50 year round and get 19-22 mpg. For the most part, a minor difference. But of course this is Hot South Florida. YMMV.
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Old 10-14-2005, 08:10 AM
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What is your fuel economy on 5w30, or have you ever used it?


Originally Posted by A33Black
When I was previously using 10W-30 here in Florida, I was getting mixed cycle 20-22 mpg.

Now I use 20W-50 year round and get 19-22 mpg. For the most part, a minor difference. But of course this is Hot South Florida. YMMV.
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Old 10-14-2005, 08:21 AM
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Havoline and Chevron are good? 2nd time I've seen this. This stuff is cheap as hell.

Originally Posted by Bobo
Castrol GTX seems to be one of the most if not the most preferred dino oil on the .org for whatever reason. I see on BITOG that many members prefer Havoline and Chevron Supreme oil over Castrol for various reasons with cost not being foremost.

Esso claims (and a host of BITOGERs concur) that XD3 provides reduced engine wear and viscosity control, bearing protection by controlling lead wear, reduced oil consumption from improved engine deposit control, and control of soot induced viscosity thickening from a potent dispersant package.

To delve further into the characteristics of the oil, refer to the Product Data Sheet I referred to previously.

I may not need a 0w30 oil in greater Vancouver weather, nor do you need a 0w40 oil in Seattle weather. I would stick with the 5w30 or come on up and get some 0w30 XD3.
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