Anyone Use Plain Dino Oil?

[badfnz]

I've been reading about this Dexos certification and it just seems like a money making scheme by GM. I've never been a fan of synthetic oils and all these Dexos approved oils are either synthetic or semi-synthetic. I'm an LS1 guy by trade and I've always run regular Valvoline 10W-40 in my Camaro and have never had oil consumption problems like a lot of other LS1 owners did.

 

I now own a new Sierra with the 5.3 and I've been reading about all the oil consumption issues. Non-synthetic oils have fixed a lot of LS1 oil consumption issues, so has anyone tried it in the 5.3? I know GM will void warranties, etc, but I'm really hesitant to use synthetic in an engine that's known to use oil.

[Superperv23]

If by new sierra you mean 2011 then you wont have any problems

[MikeNH]

The 5.3 has components your LS1 does not- the AFM and cam timing are all oil-driven and GM recommends what they do for a reason. And calling the 5.3 or any other LS engine a known oil user is BS. Nobody seems to realize that any issues will seem more serious online because people with issues are going to look for solutions. Those who don't have problems aren't going to be inclined to come here and write about how trouble-free their truck is. There are millions of 5.3s on the road right now, if there was a real issue, something would've happened by now.

[jro909]

synthetics have been proven time and time again to be better then good ol dino oil...better lubrication, better protection, better flow, longer oil change intervals= more money in your pocket....its like comparing a VCR to a blu ray

[greentourismo]

Ive always used dino oil....starting oil consumption problems at 45,000 kms

[chrisjr123]

Bought my truck with 30k started running Mobil 1 like I do on other cars and it started eating oil like 2 quarts previous to 4000 miles. Gm did an oil consumption test with standard synthetic blend and no issue. Been using it ever since with no problem.

[Z45]

Get used to synthetic oil as its going to be the oil that will maintain your warranty in the future. The same type of people who won't use synthetics are the same type who said radial tires were no good and the earth was flat. LOL

 

And like tires, not all synthetics are alike. Some are made to be the best and others are made to sell cheap.

 

Toyota and Honda require it

GM requires it on most vehicles although dexos is bastardizing synthetic. GM brand can meet spec as a blend but others only as a synthetic.

 

Ford is requiring it more and more.

 

The worlds largest auto maker had this to say about synthetics back in 2009.

 

A few months ago, dealerships were notified about the gradual change to a new engine oil lubrication standard (SAE 0W-20 synthetic.) As previously mentioned, this change addresses more stringent emission certifications such as ULEVII and the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standard. Certain 2010 model/engine combinations that are certified with these standards require new engine lubrication products

 

In response to the introduction of synthetic oil requirements for a number of Toyota vehicles the TFS Prepaid Maintenance (PPM) group has been diligently working to address the increased reimbursement amounts by an additional $20.00 per service for vehicles with the elevated service costs. The launch of the new pricing for affected vehicles is August 1, 2009.

 

Benefits of Synthetic Oils

• Improved low temperature characteristics for faster starting and quicker flow to critical parts

 

• Improved stability through a wide range of temperatures

 

• Improved fuel economy (.4-.6 MPG) due to reduced internal engine friction and windage (the drag produced by parts moving through the oil bath)

 

• Emerging and future vehicle emissions regulatory requirements partly depend on the advantages of these high technology lubricants to achieve certification standards.

 

• Reduced engine deposits

 

Affected MY 2010 Vehicles

Effective August 1, 2009, a select number of model year 2010 Toyota vehicles requiring synthetic oil will be classified to obtain higher reimbursements (an additional $20.00 per service) to address the elevated service costs.

 

Please see details below for models:

 

• 4-Runner (2x4)

• Camry

• FJ Cruiser (2x4)

• Prius

• Sequoia

• Tundra

• Scion xD

 

To address the synthetic oil requirements, we have introduced two new Auto Class codes that will tailor the TAC agreement to the specific needs of that customer’s vehicle. For details on Auto Class classifications, please see below:

 

Class A vehicles

: All vehicles excluding those listed in Class B.

 

Class B (synthetic oil) vehicles MY2010 and later:

4-Runner (2x), Camry, FJ

Cruiser (2x), Prius, Sequoia, Tundra and Scion xD models.

 

In the future, as vehicles convert over to synthetic oils, we will be modifying our

system to automatically tailor the TAC program benefits for each model year and Toyota/Scion model.

[Austin83]

I run synthetic Mobil 1 in my Sierra, and I have had no oil consumption issues. Synthetic oil is proven to work better than dino. Anything that allows my engine to work easier and more efficiently is worth it. There is a reason why the higher end cars run synthetic oil.

[Black02Silverado]

badfnz, I would run the Valvoline and press on. If you take care of you vehicles then you shouldn't have any issues. It is a good oil and will serve you well. As for warranty work. They can't tell you if it isn't dexos oil or not, but like most it is your word agains theirs and so that would be an issue, but then again, when was the last time you or anyone on here for that matter had an issue due to the oil? Probably nobody, it is either from running out of oil or not changing your oil at all and that is neglect not the oils fault.

 

I say run it and enjoy.

[BigBlueLB756]

Always used Havoline 5W-30,changed every 3K in all my late-model GMs with no problems whatsoever. Make up your own mind and don't worry about what the "crowd" thinks. They ain't helping you make the note.

[BlackZ71Silverado]

Always used Havoline 5W-30,changed every 3K in all my late-model GMs with no problems whatsoever. Make up your own mind and don't worry about what the "crowd" thinks. They ain't helping you make the note.

 

...........and GM is not going to help you "make the note" if you have issues from running a non dexos approved oil. Better off running an approved oil then taking a chance. I run Mobil 1 Extended Performance full synthetic in my Silverado with no consumption issues.

[badfnz]

Always used Havoline 5W-30,changed every 3K in all my late-model GMs with no problems whatsoever. Make up your own mind and don't worry about what the "crowd" thinks. They ain't helping you make the note.

 

...........and GM is not going to help you "make the note" if you have issues from running a non dexos approved oil. Better off running an approved oil then taking a chance. I run Mobil 1 Extended Performance full synthetic in my Silverado with no consumption issues.

 

 

GM would probably be able to tell a synthetic oil from a non-synthetic, but there is no way in hell they could test whether or not you used an approved Dexos oil.

 

Anyways, I picked up three 5.1 gallon jugs of Valvoline Synthetic since they were on sale and only $5 more than the dino. I'll test it out and see how it goes.