Another Oil Question

[RoGuE]

I have three questions:

 

1. Pennzoil Platinum is still a good synthetic oil, right? Just as good as Mobil 1?

 

2. I was recently on a 2000 mile trip at the end of December to Florida and back. I checked the oil on the way back and it was a quart low. I was told this could be because this is the first time I used full synthetic and it will lose a quart the first time. I didn't see any leaks. Although I did recently have an oil consumption problem I thought I fixed by replacing my clogged PCV valve with a fixed orifice style. In the last week it was down a quart again (it is still the original oil that was in during the trip). Is this normal?

 

3. I am currently at 4,000 miles on this synthetic, is it supposed to be changed at about this mileage the first time you use synthetic?

[asepgrad98]

1. yes

 

2. more than 1qt / 2k miles is considered obsessive

 

3. just change it when the OLM says to

[dewfpo]

I have three questions:

 

2. I was recently on a 2000 mile trip at the end of December to Florida and back. I checked the oil on the way back and it was a quart low. I was told this could be because this is the first time I used full synthetic and it will lose a quart the first time.

 

3. I am currently at 4,000 miles on this synthetic, is it supposed to be changed at about this mileage the first time you use synthetic?

 

2. Who told you that? I've been using synthetics since 1984 in all of our vehicles (currently 6) and have never seen or heard of such nonsense.

 

3. When you change over to synthetic, it will clean out your engine if your engine has not been maintained well. You can use the OLM or change it just a little earlier the first time if your engine is dirty. If your engine has been well maintained..... no need to change early.

 

DEWFPO

[SPARK CHASER]

I have three questions:

 

1. Pennzoil Platinum is still a good synthetic oil, right? Just as good as Mobil 1?

 

2. I was recently on a 2000 mile trip at the end of December to Florida and back. I checked the oil on the way back and it was a quart low. I was told this could be because this is the first time I used full synthetic and it will lose a quart the first time. I didn't see any leaks. Although I did recently have an oil consumption problem I thought I fixed by replacing my clogged PCV valve with a fixed orifice style. In the last week it was down a quart again (it is still the original oil that was in during the trip). Is this normal?

 

3. I am currently at 4,000 miles on this synthetic, is it supposed to be changed at about this mileage the first time you use synthetic?

 

Why didn't you just replace your PCV valve with one that is called for by GM? I think this or some other problem is where your oil is going and the synthetic oil is getting unfairly blamed.

If you don't run a synthetic oil at least 10,000 miles between changes, you might well use a regular motor oil. It is economically stupid and a waste of resources to use synthetics and then change your oil every 3,000-4,000 miles.

[RoGuE]

I have three questions:

 

1. Pennzoil Platinum is still a good synthetic oil, right? Just as good as Mobil 1?

 

2. I was recently on a 2000 mile trip at the end of December to Florida and back. I checked the oil on the way back and it was a quart low. I was told this could be because this is the first time I used full synthetic and it will lose a quart the first time. I didn't see any leaks. Although I did recently have an oil consumption problem I thought I fixed by replacing my clogged PCV valve with a fixed orifice style. In the last week it was down a quart again (it is still the original oil that was in during the trip). Is this normal?

 

3. I am currently at 4,000 miles on this synthetic, is it supposed to be changed at about this mileage the first time you use synthetic?

 

Why didn't you just replace your PCV valve with one that is called for by GM? I think this or some other problem is where your oil is going and the synthetic oil is getting unfairly blamed.

If you don't run a synthetic oil at least 10,000 miles between changes, you might well use a regular motor oil. It is economically stupid and a waste of resources to use synthetics and then change your oil every 3,000-4,000 miles.

 

 

The fixed orifice PCV is called for by GM with a TSB that deals with oil consumption in 5.3L engines.

[Black02Silverado]

1. PP is a good oil, especially for the price. Advance Auto was having a buy one get one free sale.

 

2. It has been known that using a synthetic for the first time on an engine that may have some build up inside can consume oil. Synthetic oil cleans really well and in the process consumption can happen.

 

3. You do not have to change it out that early but I would do an oil analysis if you plan to take it past 8k. I have seen some analysis done at 8 to 9k and the oil was shot. It isn't the oils fault but there was an issue with the mechanics of the vehicle. The analysis brought the issues to light. The owners of the vehicles didn't realize there was an issue but once they fixed what was suspect they noticed a difference for the good in performance and economy afterwards. Little issues can lead to big ones. Changing your oil every 3k you will never know there are problems, it is the extended drains that help show issues because now they show up over time in the longer drain oils.

 

In a mechanically sound running engine you can go 10k or more but an analysis is advisable to make sure everything is performing like it should. The best oil that money can buy will not hold up if you run it in an engine that isn't running properly. Issues like an intake leak allowing excessive dirt in the engine, a bad air filter, running rich due to injector problems, dirty fuel systems. These types of issues that are not even thought of can cause oil to break down. A oil in sound running engines can go the distance, even regular oil has made it to 8k with no issues. Every engine is different and we don't live in a perfectly controlled environment. Life in 20% humidity with a constant 80 degree temp would be sweet but it just doesn't happen every day, 365 days a year.

[asepgrad98]

2. Who told you that? I've been using synthetics since 1984 in all of our vehicles (currently 6) and have never seen or heard of such nonsense.

 

GM's standard is 1qt/2k miles. Any less than that and they say your engine is fine.

[dewfpo]

2. Who told you that? I've been using synthetics since 1984 in all of our vehicles (currently 6) and have never seen or heard of such nonsense.

 

GM's standard is 1qt/2k miles. Any less than that and they say your engine is fine.

 

 

My comment was specifically about being told : "this is the first time I used full synthetic and it will lose a quart the first time. "

 

DEWFPO