High Mileage Engine - Oil

[PeteA216]

Hi guys, a "generally speaking" question here. On an engine that's got high miles (nearing 200,000), but is still in good shape mechanically, what would anybody recommend to help keep those miles rolling even longer. I was rolling ideas around in my head - high mileage motor oil, maybe slightly thicker oil to help fill the probably worn bearings, lucas oil additive... this is one of those things though that I wouldn't know if someone was doing more harm than good by using different types or weight oils, etc. Any thoughts? Opinions?

[Cgroh89]

On my Camaro I had 150k on it (305 tbi ) I used the Q high mileage and I highly recommend using Wix or K and N filters on what every you change the oil on.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by Cgroh89

On my Camaro I had 150k on it (305 tbi ) I used the Q high mileage and I highly recommend using Wix or K and N filters on what every you change the oil on.

Instead of the K&N, I would opt for the Mobil 1. It is made by the same manufacturer, with the same production process, and is less expensive. Here is a quote from an oil filter study to which I will link to after the quote:
"K&N

It's a white Mobil 1 filter with a nut welded to the back. It's made by Champion Labs using what I call their "performance" design instead of the "Ecore". Save the $2-$3 plus shipping and get the Mobil 1."
Link to the webpage:http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar.../opinions.html

Some of you who are familiar with my postings may know I link to that oil filter study on occasion. Imagine my shock when I recently read that there was a new oil filter study done recently to replace the 9 year old study previously in place. In that study, the A C Delco filter came highly rated, and which I had always recommended. Apparently, A C Delco has changed companies, and their quality is not the same as it once was. The funny thing is , the Delco filters are made by the same company that the K&N and Mobil 1 s are, but a different production process is used. If you check that link above, you will see the new oil filter recommendations.

[silicon212]

I use Mobil 1 15w50 synthetic with an AC/Delco filter.

Prior to that, I used Castrol GTX 20w50, from startup until 280k miles.

[beat88ls]

Originally Posted by silicon212

I use Mobil 1 15w50 synthetic with an AC/Delco filter.

Prior to that, I used Castrol GTX 20w50, from startup until 280k miles.

all i use is Castrol GTX in all my vehicles. i was thinking of switching to Mobil 1 in my jeep, but have not

[silicon212]

I ran Rotella T for a while due to the flat tappet cam issue (eating cam lobes w/Service M oil) with conventional gasoline engine oil. After that, I now run Mobil 1.

[PeteA216]

This is gonna sound ignorant, but refresh my memory, The higher the number, the thicker or thinner the oil? (10W vs 5W and so fourth) as of right now I use only factory recommended 10W-30 conventional motor oil in both my truck and Caprice. Penzoil to be exact.

[silicon212]

The larger the number, the thicker the oil. When I built my engine in '93, I had decided from the beginning that I'd run the thicker oil in it. Then again, I am in a hot climate and have been throughout this engine's existence. Factory specs 10w30, has for as long as I can remember.

I did break the engine in on straight 30.

You might want to rethink Pennzoil, though.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by silicon212

You might want to rethink Pennzoil, though.

That comment reminds me of the time back in 1988 when I was working in an auto parts store and an oil salesman paid us a visit. He talked with us about the different types of oil and mentioned "shale based oils" and "parrafin based oils". He said the shale based oils were better as they didn't leave the deposits in an engine like the parrafin based oils did, ( and he said that parrafin was a wax and at high operating temps left waxy deposits in an engine ) About two months later I rebuilt a SBC that the former owner had exclusively used Pennzoil in and was amazed at the amount of black deposits underneath the intake manifold as I removed it. I immediately recalled what that salesman told us after seeing that on the underside of the intake .

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by '97ventureowner

That comment reminds me of the time back in 1988 when I was working in an auto parts store and an oil salesman paid us a visit. He talked with us about the different types of oil and mentioned "shale based oils" and "parrafin based oils". He said the shale based oils were better as they didn't leave the deposits in an engine like the parrafin based oils did, ( and he said that parrafin was a wax and at high operating temps left waxy deposits in an engine ) About two months later I rebuilt a SBC that the former owner had exclusively used Pennzoil in and was amazed at the amount of black deposits underneath the intake manifold as I removed it. I immediately recalled what that salesman told us after seeing that on the underside of the intake .

Exactly my point. The absolute sludgiest engines I've ever seen all ran Pennzoil or Quaker State for the oil. This was back before Pennz/Quaker were one company.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by PeteA216

This is gonna sound ignorant, but refresh my memory, The higher the number, the thicker or thinner the oil? (10W vs 5W and so fourth) as of right now I use only factory recommended 10W-30 conventional motor oil in both my truck and Caprice. Penzoil to be exact.

I've used penzoil and castrol 10-30wt in my 1983 had it 17years changed oil every 3,000mi a/c oil filter, after 380,000mi no sludge ,no engine noises no oil leaks and never even had the valve covers off... at the 17year mark 12 ppm hydrocarbons .....also vehicle used 1/2 quart every oil change...first 1,000 replaced oil/filter then at 2,000mi replaced oil/filter...

quaker state oil I don't like...too goopy ....does not flow properly..

back in 1983 10-40wt was recommended but then this was later changed to the 10-30wt...

[94HeavyChevy]

i recently purchased a oil additive called "restore". ive seen it advertised on spike tv now for a while and have wanted to try it. it is supposed to restore/repair scratches on cylinder walls and compression that has been lost over the years. you just add it to oil when u change it.

[Scrapper]

rotella i use in my bike and also most truck driver use it. it's long lasting because they can get up to a milion miles out of there trucks. it's really made by shell also.

[PeteA216]

Goodbye Penzoil then! Y'know that makes sense. My truck has been in my faimly since it was brand new. Always had Penzoil, always had the oil changed at the proper intervals. A few years ago upon opening the valve covers to change the valve seals, I noticed a nice black coating on everything, moreso the cast iron, but everything had it. Not really sludge, but like a film. I guess thats the penzoil for yah. I've seen "high mileage" convention oils with detergants. Wouldn't detergant do more harm than good?

[silicon212]

The detergents are what remove the sludge from within the engine. They will not harm the engine.