I think we covered it all..
 

I think that we have covered it all on OIL in this forum. I wanted a great discussion on this and got great feedback. Now when someone (like myself) searches for "oil", or "best oil", the posting should take care of all questions. If you noticed, This topic has already been the most viewed by people visiting this forum, so I know it is interesting. I want to thank all the people who responded (without getting too upset about the repetiveness of this subject). I am sure I (and alot of other people) will be back again and again here to read up each time we feel we have any question on "OIL", thanks again all:)

rsl007...
 

rsl007 ,
I think you answered you own question. As you can see their probably isnt anything wrong with using rotella, but you your self are not using it. why not? lol.. :)

I use castrol 20/50

Re: I think we covered it all..
 

Many have come before you, and many will follow. But did you read all of the previous threads on oil and make a decision, fully satisfied with other members conclusions? No, you did not, and no one after you will either. Did that " take care of all questions"? No, it did not. And it will not.

This topic is a sure thing for getting the membership to offer opinion and suggestions. Motor oils, fuels, engine additives, antifreeze and other such subjective subject matter has HISTORICALLY been hotly debated in these forums, and any rise of a new thread just adds to that huge amount of discussion.

If you read the eight threads I posted links to, you will see that not only has everything being posted here now, already been covered, you will also find other aspects of it that hasn't been explored in this thread at all.

As for Shell Rotella, I know commercial drivers and owner operators who swear by it, and others who would never use it. Those decisions were made based upon the same subjective analysis that exists on these forums on that very subject.

My choice to not use it is based upon many different factors, the most compelling is experience in using diesel grade oils for years in commercial vehicles, and finding that Chevron DELO 400 is a far better motor oil. That opinion was backed up by a research scientist at an independent testing lab who told me that his opinion from exhaustive testing, was that it did the best job.

Everyone has their favorite. However, about five years ago, Consumer Reports tested all the major ran oils.

They used N.Y.C. taxi cabs for the test. First, they tore down the engines and established a baseline to compare wear on critical engine components.

They tested for 50,000 miles on each vehicle making oil changes every 3500 miles. At the end, they tore down each engine again and compared pre test measurements.

The result,only marginal signs of wear, with virtually no difference between brands. There was a small difference (better) for synthetics, but they didn't feel it was worth the extra cost.

Their recommendation,changing oil regularly,(3000-3500) was more important than what kind of oil used.

WON'T THIS TOPIC EVER DIE!!!!!! Enough already! Just change it hot and change it often.

Longston, What I posted about Ferrari's use of Agip was only what I had read in magazines. I also wasn't saying that Mercedes "sold out". It is not uncommon for one company recommend another's product due to some type of partnership. I mean with Mobil sponsoring Porsche and Mercedes racing, Porsche and Mercedes aren't going to "endorse" Shell products. If I were to use synthetic in my Benz, it would be Mobil 1. I agree with you about the way most people pick an oil. I don't think anyone here is an oil engineer so our choices are based on very subjective advice.

Concerning oils
 

In one hundred years from now, most of us will be underground starting to become fossil oil ourselves, and nobody will know or care what the hell we put in our engines. But the three pages of this thread showed one thing: all who wrote have a love for a good engine and take pleasure and great enjoyment in putting in a good oil so they can feel the wonderful smoothness and power of a mechanical piece of art. That is what it is all about.

Back At 'Cha...
 

rickjordan,

Yes, Porsche and Mercedes racing teams are co-sponsored by Mobil Oil, and as a result of the performance they are able to obtain in competition, they now ship their cars from the factory with Mobil 1 on their respective crankcases, and recommend the use of that product to all owners via their dealerships. I am not singling you out as a consiracy theorist, just pointing out that Mercedes cannot be bought with money, they can only be bought with results. If Mobil 1 didn't deliver the goods, then I firmly believe that no amount of money would get Mercedes to use it.

Mr. Bill,

When I was going to buy my minivan, I checked every source available to me for information on which make & model was the most reliable, safest, etc. Consumer Reports rated the Dodge Caravan very poorly in terms of maintenance costs, mechanical breakdowns, and safety. But then also rated it as a used car "Best Buy". What was wrong with that picture? In every instance that I have come to Consumer Reports for unbiasaed and clear data to base a product purchase on, I have been seriously disappointed. I think that they should be the subject of a federal investigation.

If they endorsed Mobil 1, I'd stop using it, just for that reason alone...

Yal,

Get used to it Bro, this subjest will never die. First, we are all interested in using the best products. Second, we all want someone else to do our homework for us. And third, we'd all like to think that we are absolutely correct in our choices once we make them. No one likes to admit that they could be wrong, or might be making a bad decision.

And finally, as long as this site attracts new members, this subject will keep coming up because no one wants to admit that it's all been said before. Just like each new generation of mankind thinks that they are the ones with all of the simple answers that their predecessors must have so obviously overlooked. Until it is they that are being replaced by the next generation...

Remember fellow members, ego & testosterone aren't fuel or engine additives, and using them as primary components in making a choice in anything is as dangerous as using drugs & alchohol as driver performance enhancements...

Do your own homework, make your own informed (hopefully) decisions, and don't worry about evangelizing your choices. Just bask in the knowledge that you are doing what you think is best for your car and your budget. And don't ever forget that 8 Qts. is about twice what most drivers pay to have replaced in their cars...;)

Well put as usual Scott :D

Well this thread is definitely starting to sound religious! Hopefully we can avoid a "Jihad" between the Mobil 1 advocates and the rest...;)

Longston, I agree with most of what you say (especially the CR criticism) or are right on in some of these observations. I for one, did take the time to read all the threads you posted links to. I'm glad I did simply because it confirmed my preference toward Castrol.

I do disagree with one point though and that is the need or value of bringing up certain subjects for review. As a new member I'm likely to ask a lot of questions which have been discussed before, however, not all subjects have historical value. I just completed a research of all articles on antenna replacement for my 85 Diesel. This information has a good shelf life and was very useful to me!
I think that Shag may have been interested in a current opinion and that is certainly valid in a changing technology landscape. Oil formulations and experiences with newer oils are probably decent examples of such.

So please excuse new members when we ask things which seem old hat....
Remember, there are no dumb questions, just dumb people :D

Thanks Ed..
 

Yes,
I started this topic because when I "searched" for "oil. or anything related to "best oil" or preferred oil", I couldnt find the proper threads. I didnt just start this topic to waste time and energy (SL), I wanted anyone (new or senior member) to be able to search for "oil", and find a great discussion filled with suggestions, expieriances,advice, etc..so that when a new member (or existing) searches for "oils", hopefully this topic will be #1 on the list..I am sure it will :)
After all said and done...ShagBenz will be using "Castrol Full Synthetic 5W - 40... kootos Ed., and Thanks again for a great topic discussion. There is a great deal of info and links, and I am so greatful to all who has contributed.!! Now, its time go take a drive in my Benz on this beautiful Day..:)

Just got back from jiffy lube...
 

Well, I just filled up my 1986 300E Benz (177,000 miles)with 7.5 quarts of Castrol Full Synthetic 5W 50 ($17.88 for a 5 quart jug at Wal-Mart) I also replaced the oil filter with a Mobil 1 oil filter-($9.97 from Auto Zone)and a Air Filter ($17.99 @ auto zone) I was going to go with 10w 40 , but wal-mart didnt have any for some reason. Anyway, the manager at the jiffy lube has a 1988 5 series BMW with 178,000 miles on it and he said he put Mobil 1 in his car about a month ago, and after about a week, his engine was smoking like there was no tomorrow, so he flushed his out, and has been fine since.
My guess is the synthetic was just burning off his deposits and soot (or BMW's are allergic to sythetic, LOL). But he said he is was just going to run regular multi-grade in his.
Anyway, I will keep everyone updated as to how my engine will be excepting the synthetic. I am not just talking about , I am doing it....:)

Mobil One
 

I am surprised there is still so much discussion on this topic.

Basic research shows the benefits of using synthetic lubricants - for engines, wheel bearings, transmissions, gear boxes ... anything with a friction surface.

The technology, testing, and logic leads only one way.

Biggest issue is simply one now, of finding the lowest price supplier ... perhaps we could develop a "national source" that would ship direct at a discount?

George

Going Beautifully....
 

Just wanted to update everyone about my Engine since the synthetic oil change last month, it is going GREAT, I feal the engine running smoother, and faster. I am sure this engine had dino oil ran in it before my "synthetic change",I feel confident that as long as it is changed hot and often, dino or synthetic is the way to go....Will keep you updated:)