170 K on the engine

[avatar307]

My engine runs like every other I've serviced. At 3000 miles, the oil is a quart low. I try to change it right then, or at least add another quart if I'm going to drive it another 500 miles.

The manufactuer specificed intervals are kinda strange. My owners manual actually lists two different schedules. If you drive the car constantly at high speeds, or speed a lot of time idling in traffic (like taxis or police cars) then they list ever 3000 miles. Otherwise, the interval is every 4500.

Me though, if the engine has burned a quart of oil, it's time to be changed. They say that with running synthetic, you can easily drive 7500 before needing to change the oil. Even then, if the engine ever ran a quart low, I'd change it. Just my... routine, my paranoia.

And I've never heard of anyone not changing their oil filter when they change their oil. That's just dumb. Why would you do such a thing? Just to save $4? I'm glad to know that you change your filter every time... hopefully everyone else does... else I'm going to have to wack someone. LOL

[buickmastermind]

I change my oil filter every 3000 miles as well, but I don't use the standard filter for the 3.8/3800. I use the oil filter from the '89 Chevy Astro, 4.2l V6. It fits the same as the other, but it is larger, so less resistance and more oil flow while getting filtered better.

The reason to use a texas oil is that the oil doesn't contain the high traces of carbon that the east coast oils do. It is a cleaner oil, so they don't have to put as many detergents in it, and offers a better lubrication. Want proof? Run a motor for 200,000 miles using only pennzoil, and also one using only castrol, both having regular oil changes. You can see for yourself which one stays clean. Plastigage the bearings to see which one shows less signs of wearing. I guarentee that the one with the castrol will be in better condition, and have no sludge deposits clinging to the inside of the block.

[avatar307]

Apparently everyone took my comments relating to Texan oils more literally than I meant it. I wasn't really refering to Texan oils as much as I was refering to Texans in general.

"This state is like a whole different country," and everyone born and raised here believes and are proud of that fact. Kinda makes for an interesting social attitude... I'm still catching ____ at work for voting Democrat/Libertarian straight down the board at elections. LOL

[tman]

Avatar- I asked about the filter being changed, becaus esome folks only change it once every other oil change.

BMM- You mean the PF52, right? It's the same as the PF47(recommended) except it's a little longer.

[buickmastermind]

That would be the one. It has actually kept my oil noticeably cleaner at the 3,000 mile mark.

[avatar307]

TMan- *nod, nod* I know you change your oil filter every 3000. I had just never heard of anyone not changing their oil filter every oil change. That's why I commented on it, seems very strange to me, conflicts with what I was taught growing up.

[redly1]

whoa...so you guys are saying the PF52, which is a longer filter...works in place of the PF47

Excellent...I would assume this would be good, since there would be more filtration surface and thus less of a drop in oil pressure

cheers!!