I've been deciding over sticking with M1 5w-30, or trying Pennzoil Platinum, same weight, or even R/P since Pep Boys carries it. I've been trying to find more detailed specs on the R/P but i can't find anything. I have a 93 100s, like in Ga, Don't drive too much, I take Marta to work, At the moment. I will be driving a lot more when school picks up in Spring 07, for me. My car does like to eat a little bit of oil. I think it's the valve seals. Anything you know or suggest would be great. I've always appreciated your input and taken it seriously, Thanks!!!!

 

Well, I don't think a 5W-30 is ideal in the 12v, especially if you have some oil consumption. The only 5W-30 I'd run (and that I have run) is Red Line 5W-30, which meets HTHS requirements of the 12v. Royal Purple oil seem a bit expensive at higher cost than M1. Unfortunately RP don't offer a 5W-40. RP 10W-40 is a little thick when cold, but you may want to consider that oil.

5W-40 will resist fuel dilution and thinning out (short distance driving, especially in colder weather) better than a 5W-30. Since the 12v tends to run a little rich anyway, fuel dilution could become an issue.

5W-40 will resist blowby better than a 5W-30. Less oil consumption should be the result and your cats and O2 sensors will last longer.

There are many 5W-40 oil that will work well. All of them are at least hydrocracked bastard synthetics or better. If you are shooting for the longest possible oil change intervals you should go for a full synthetic oil. All quality oils, no matter if hydrocracked or full synthetic can go at least 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil and filter changes.

You can't go wrong with any of these oils:

- Pennnzoil Platinum 5W-40 European Formula
- Castrol 5W-40
- AMSOIL 5W-40 European Formula
- Red Line 5W-40
- M1 5W-40 Turbo Diesel (make sure it still has an API gas engine rating like SL or SM)

Also, Motul and Elf have various kinds of 5W-40 oils meeting different oil approval ratings. You want an oil that meets either one or several of these ratings:

VW 500.00
VW 502.00
VW 505.00
VW 505.01

API SL
API SM

 

I've had a chat with managers at shops where they order all their products and they say that that's the only Pennzoil Platinum that they can order.

 

Any Jiffy Lube should be able to order it for you. If you tell me where you are located, I may be able to find out where you can get some PP 5W-40. For example, I found one place in San Francisco that sells it.

You can get Castrol 5W-40 at any AutoZone or VW/Audi dealer. Make sure it's the less expensive VW 502.00 version and not the more expensive VW505.01 rated sauce.

 

I found a Jiffy Lube that had it in stock actually. Says' European Fornula on the front.

 

Very good! Give it a shot and let me know how you like it.

 

Been running Amsoil 5W40 EF in my car and I have noticed that oil consumption is down as opposed to using Castrol Syntec or straight dino oil