spark plugs and oil - maintenance
glenncof
08-29-2006, 06:13 PM
I posted this on the C/K forum but is repeated here for us Tahoe types.
I have a 1997 Tahoe 5.7l gas. I did lots of research before changing the plugs at 100K.
What I found recommended is to use ONLY the factory platinum plug. DO NOT substitute. They were very expensive ($5-6 each as I recall)
This is coming from a guy who never goes to dealer unless not available elsewhere and hates to waste money.
Do research and come to your own conclusion.
I checked the gap of the originals and they were still at factory spec after 100K. My conclusion was no reason to take chance with anything else (unless you have observable problem with the plugs).
OIL - I'm at 136K miles now and consuming NO oil in 3000 mile. I have used 10W30 or 5W30 Castrol dino since 36K. OCI has been 3000 miles since beginning (previous owner) except to test synthetic. Used those dreaded FRAMs almost the whole time.
(see http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi ) for all things related to oil/filters).
I have tried running Castrol Syntec 5W30 synth. Just after the change level drops 1/3 quart. Then looses another 1/3 over 6000 miles. If you go synthetic change filters more frequently. But I wouldn't let the oil be in there for more than 6 months, some people say a year.
I'm about to try Mobil 7500 which is a blend. Should use better filters for 5000 mile OCI target such as Mobil1 filters (but they cost $11 each).
My conclusion; I can't justify cost of synthetics. Changing filter is the messy part anyhow and the 5.7l 4X4 has a dinky filter but is not a dirty running engine relative to others. I haven't been able to verify any improved MPG and reliablity (oil consumption) couldn't be better. Cold start/operation with 5W20 is better in N. California.
I have a 1997 Tahoe 5.7l gas. I did lots of research before changing the plugs at 100K.
What I found recommended is to use ONLY the factory platinum plug. DO NOT substitute. They were very expensive ($5-6 each as I recall)
This is coming from a guy who never goes to dealer unless not available elsewhere and hates to waste money.
Do research and come to your own conclusion.
I checked the gap of the originals and they were still at factory spec after 100K. My conclusion was no reason to take chance with anything else (unless you have observable problem with the plugs).
OIL - I'm at 136K miles now and consuming NO oil in 3000 mile. I have used 10W30 or 5W30 Castrol dino since 36K. OCI has been 3000 miles since beginning (previous owner) except to test synthetic. Used those dreaded FRAMs almost the whole time.
(see http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi ) for all things related to oil/filters).
I have tried running Castrol Syntec 5W30 synth. Just after the change level drops 1/3 quart. Then looses another 1/3 over 6000 miles. If you go synthetic change filters more frequently. But I wouldn't let the oil be in there for more than 6 months, some people say a year.
I'm about to try Mobil 7500 which is a blend. Should use better filters for 5000 mile OCI target such as Mobil1 filters (but they cost $11 each).
My conclusion; I can't justify cost of synthetics. Changing filter is the messy part anyhow and the 5.7l 4X4 has a dinky filter but is not a dirty running engine relative to others. I haven't been able to verify any improved MPG and reliablity (oil consumption) couldn't be better. Cold start/operation with 5W20 is better in N. California.
95tahoe4x4
09-08-2006, 12:31 AM
I find it funny that you are willing to drop $11 an oil filter @3-4 a year, but fret over paying $5-6 for OEM spark plugs @ 8 every 3-4 years. Anywho, why switch from dyno, if it is not broke don't fix it. I like changing it every 3,000 (screw the 3 months) it gets me under the vehicle and working in the garage. You will catch issues before they turn into problems when under there. Just my 2 pennies.
1995 tahoe
5W30 valoline
Napa Gold Oil Filter every 3,000
149,000
Kt
1995 tahoe
5W30 valoline
Napa Gold Oil Filter every 3,000
149,000
Kt
glenncof
09-12-2006, 03:30 PM
I don't use the Mobil 1 filters. My most recent was Penzoil for $2.49 at Pepboys.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2025