Walmart Supertech oil

JJT · Nov 24, 2004

Fishman, I used to feel the same way. About 2 years ago I converted to synthetic and sent out a few oil samples for anaylysis. I used the results to set my oil change interval. If you're running mostly highway miles, you are probably changing your oil too soon. Send a sample out and let them help you set the correct oil change interval. Your pocket book and the environment will thank you.

Bluecheck546 · Nov 25, 2004

All of my trucks, cars and Harley get an oil change at 5000 mile intervals. No logs are need it, just look at the odometer.... recently sold Honda accord with 284000 miles on it , still the engine sound it great and run strong..... I believe that changing oil often is a waste and unnecessary. My2¢

Syncro · Nov 27, 2004

"Whenever I get a new piece of equipment, I always do a complete fluid change...." 

 Yup, good idea. Years ago I used to flush the crankcase with kerosene on each oil change. After a hot oil drain I'd refill and idle for about 1 minute, just enough to circulate, then drain. It sure helped keep the new oil clean. I wouldn't do that on an old engine though, could loosen up crud and do more harm than good, but any engine would be safe with a simple oil flush.
As for Walmart, I've used their hydraulic oil and it looks pretty good, I wouldn't hesitate using it in my new tractor if the specs matched.

fishman · Nov 29, 2004

I sent off for an oil analysis kit from Blackstone Labs. They advertise their service costs $20, with an additional $10 charge for measuring tbn. It seems to me that testing more often than say, every 30,000 miles would defeat the main purpose of extended drain intervals. That is, saving money.

I'm going to use it to solve once and for all the mystery of the dissappearing coolant in my truck. I took in in twice under warranty but the dealer couldn't find anything. Now, with over 80,000 miles on it, it has lost at least 1/2 gallon of coolant, which I have replaced as needed. I would have done the test earlier under warranty, but I didn't know about it at the time.

JerryG · Nov 29, 2004

Heater core?

slowrev · Nov 29, 2004

Fishman,
Very good point on the cost of oil analysis.

On the coolant issue. At about 65k my Subaru started using some coolant and I could not find our where. The dealer said it was the water pump and wanted to change it for about 250.00. I kept looking and found a leaky intake gasket. It would evaporate as fast as it leaked so no evidence until enough residue built up to locate it. The old Subie is now at 196K and still have not changet the water pump.

Ben

BRIGUY · Nov 29, 2004

I've had similar problems. Some of the water in the coolant will evaporate but I don't know about that much.

My current driver looses a little. When I tested the concentration with a hydrometer, the concentration of coolant was increasing. HUMMMMM???? Blackstone shows no coolant in the oil. All top end gaskets and water pump are 2 years old. I pressure tested the system hot and cold (O/K) then I tested the cap. Cap is relieving to early : hot water in recovery bottle = faster evaporation. Try a new cap Can't hurt.

GerardC · Nov 29, 2004

The old Subie ..... 

Gotta love 'em. I'm on my third one now and believe it or not, they've all been silver in color. Bought them all used and they just happened to be that color. Gerard

fishman · Nov 29, 2004

No, I don't think it's the heater core. No smell of antifreeze when the heater's on.

fishman · Nov 29, 2004

Slowrev,

I'm worried it is the intake gasket, as that has been pointed out as a weak point in many GM engines. The oil analysis will tell, I think.

Briguy,

Never thought about the cap, but what you say makes sense. If the oil analysis shows no antifreeze contamination, a new cap will be Plan B. I'm hoping for Plan B. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I just bought a new, used car and plan on doing a baseline oil analysis for it as well. I'll report my findings as they come available.